The five young talented singers from Pakistan will be showcasing their talents in Zee's 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007-Sangeet ka Pratham Vishwa-Yudh'. These budding talents had auditioned at Lahore and the judges there were none other than Ustad Ghulam Ali and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

Sikander Ali, Wasi Effendi, and Junaid Sheikh are from Karanchi, Amanat Ali from Faislabad and Mussarat Abbas is from Lahore. The five are currently in Mumbai preparing for the upcoming challenge.

"It came as a surprise for me when I got a call confirming my participation in the competition", accepts the twenty-five-year old Mussarat. Not only him but all the five were excited about coming to India or rather Mumbai about which they had only heard in movies.

None the less these young talents are very well versed about Bollywood and names like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Amir Khan, Salman Khan and even Govinda. "I have already started my fitness regime since I'm big fan of Salman Khan", says Junaid.

The singers have been received warmly in the country and say that they are been taken good care of here. But they do miss their family. "But again we are able to communicate with them thanks to the organizers", says Wasi. The only problem that he faced was with the exchange of Pakistani currency. He had to inform his relatives here who lent him some Indian currency.

All the five are putting in their best efforts and promise to give a good competition to the other contestants. They have a practice session every morning beginning from seven for about two hours after which they are free to practise as and when they wish. "I sing one song for about twenty- twenty five times", confesses Wasi but the other contestants are not behind.

Taking an inspiration from Pakistani singers like Adnan Sami and the band Strings, these contestants say that they do have the talent to win hearts but till now the talent is "dabaa hua" and thus needs "polishing". They are here to learn more and in the process get fame. "It is a good platform for us and we are keeping our fingers crossed", prays Mussarat.

On being asked on what the Pakistani people think about Indians, all stood in unison and said that it is the same warmth that India has for Pakistanis. "Indian actors are more publicized there than what they are in India", claimed Junaid.

They say that Pakistanis also want to come to India in the similar way as Indians want to go across the border. Mussarat furthur added "Hamare dil ek doosre ke liye dharakte hain, par yeh political reasons ke karan hum ek nahi ho sakte".

True but for now you will have to fight it out with the Indian contestants. All the best! (SAMPURN)