Delhi opens its arms to Runa

"Artistes are true cultural ambassadors who can usher in far-reaching changes and promote international integration. SAARC countries should allow artistes to cross borders without the hassles of paper work," said Runa speaking on the subject of South Asian Regional Integration and Growth.

"I feel blessed that I have the ability to communicate through my music, giving people an insight into the essence of life. Music has no language and reaches out to one and all. Music preaches love and peace which is the need of the hour," wafted the singer's memorable voice.

"We need easier visa procurement procedures which will help artistes to reach out and touch the chord of more lives," she said.

"I feel like a citizen not only of Bangladesh, where my skills took shape, but also of Pakistan where I was born and India where I got acclaim," said Runa recalling "When I first came to India, I was never made to feel out of place. I was received with much love and it's that feeling of being wanted that makes me sure that unity in every sense of the word is possible among SAARC countries."

"What we need today is to educate our children about culture and ensure they know their roots. We need to promote our culture through music, films and other mediums so that the next generation can assimilate parts of this rich and diverse heritage," she said.

Pooja Bhatt agreed with Runa and said South Asia shares a common cultural background which can be enriched through the most popular medium -- films. This would lead to evolution of a pan-South

The maker of films like Paap and Rog, Pooja, daughter of eminent director Mahesh Bhatt, said her father is all set to direct an "epic movie" on the shared history of India and Pakistan, featuring actors and technicians of both the countries.

A major portion of the money generated from the film would be contributed to the cause of the survivors of the recent earthquake in India and Pakistan, she said adding that the proposed film to be shot in the two countries would have Meera as the lead female actress.

Runa was the toast of the audience at the Conclave on Thursday night too, even though she made an unscheduled appearance on the stage at the prodding of eminent playback singer Sonu Nigam.

It was a Sonu Nigam night at the Taj Palace hotel as part of the cultural extravagance of the Conclave. But when the Indian singer spotted Runa in the audience, he immediately pleaded with her.

A surprised Runa was at first reluctant saying she was not ready for this. But the call of music as well as the occasion proved too much for her to resist for long. She came on the dais and dished out the foot-tapping number Dama dam mast kalandar to a delighted audience. Sonu Nigam recalled that music lovers of Delhi too can look forward to a ‘Runa night’ if efforts by the Bangladesh High Commission to India bear fruit. The High Commission is already in talks with her and a performance by her could be a reality in February next year, sources said.

Runa is thrilled about a possible show in this "beautiful city" of Delhi but said no final decision has yet been taken.

The singer told reporters after the Conclave that she is keen to work with good Bollywood artistes like music directors A R Rahman and Anu Malik.

One of the biggest regrets is missing the chance to work with R D Burman after coming close to finalising a deal. "We had come together for an album and things were in the final stages when R D Burman passed away. I missed the opportunity to work with the great artiste," said Runa.

Asked to give her opinion about the current phenomenon of music remixes, she said she did not favour the trend. However, she believed it was just a temporary phase.