By Vidya Pradhan 

Given the fact that South Asians in the US have much more in common with each other than they do with their American neighbors, it is rather surprising that Indians and Pakistanis rarely intersect in the social stream. We have different celebrations, different grocery stores and different gatherings.

Gungun Kapoor Padala and Tariq Masood are taking a small step on Friday, May 2nd to bring their communities together in the Jashan-e-Baharan Musical Dhamaka at Chandni Restaurant in Newark, CA.

Gungun, who has been singing since she was a child, came to the US from Canada to work for a public relations firm. She took a musical hiatus when she married till she was asked to sing at a wedding and got rave reviews. While looking for a keyboard player who could accompany her professionally for other wedding shows, she came across Tariq Masood and his wife Shani who were bowled over by her talent.

Now the two are collaborating towards a musical evening in the season of Basant (spring), a season celebrated in both countries. Calling themselves IndoPak Basant, the group has put together an evening of eclectic performances from Gungun and Harjeet Mehndi( Daler’s brother). They plan a 3 hour non-stop performance of a variety of music from the subcontinent – from ghazals  to Bollywood songs to dance numbers. Afghani singer Farhad  Zada will present Rafi songs while kids perform choreographed dances in the background. Poet Noshi Gilani, whose verses have been put to music by artists like Ghulam Ali, will recite some of her work.

Check out this musical ensemble on May 2nd. Tickets are available at major Indian grocery stores and also at Sulekha.com. Here is Gungun singing Tu Meri Zindagi Hai

[mp3]gungun.mp3[/mp3] 

Jashan -e- Baharan 

When:May 2, 2008 at 7 p.m.

Where: Chandni Restaurant, 5748, Mowry School Road, Newark, CA

Tickets:  Presale $40 adults/$15 kids. Door $45/20. Dinner Included. Contact Shani 510-461-8463/ Kanika 510-456-5121/ Tariq Insurance 510-744-6900 WNI readers, mention Water,no ice and get your last minute tickets for just $30.

More info on Gungun can be found here.