'Rock On' cast condemns ban on live music in Bangalore

Bangalore, Sep 4 (IANS)Farhan Akhtar and other cast members of the hit movie 'Rock On', the first Hindi film on rock music, Thursday described as shocking the recent ban on live music and dance in the pubs and discos of India's technology hub.

"Music is an integral part of our lives. It is completely wrong to put a ban on performance of live music and dance. Bangalore is known for its feisty rock bands and the curb will act as a deterrent to the creativity of many talented musicians," Farhan said addressing a group of fans and media persons at a multiplex here.

"I too am a musician and I can understand the pain of a performer when he is denied to express himself through his art," added the director, who made his debut as an actor and singer with 'Rock On' that has taken audiences by storm.

Farhan, son of script writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar, is a self-taught singer and guitarist and has been a musician for last 12 years.

Echoing Farhan's sentiments, model turned actor Arjun Rampal, who according to the critics has given his career best performance in the film, said that music was no crime and the ban should be revoked soon.

Bangalore police imposed the ban in August. The order bans live performances at any place where liquor is served. However, the police has now come up with a set of new guidelines for pubs and discos to get a license for live performances.

Farhan, Rampal, Luke Kenny and Purab Kohli, the other two stars of the film spent an hour interacting, singing and jiving with their fans at Fun Cinemas as a part of the post-release promotion of their film.

The young crowd at the multiplex almost went berserk when Akhtar, along with his co-stars, performed some of the hits numbers from the film, including "Dil Yeah Kya Kehta.".

"I love you all. Bangalore simply rocks," Rampal said as he was mobbed with autograph hunters.

"I have watched the film thrice. And every time I have loved the movie more. Rock On is about today's youth, their dreams and aspirations. All the four actors have done a great job in the film," said an excited Medha Shah, a college-goer, who bunked her classes to have a glimpse of her favourite actors.

'Rock On' by debutant director Abhishek Kapoor is the story of four musician friends, who put up a great rock band together. Unfortunately the band fails to make it big and disintegrates.

Years later, as fate would have it, they come back together to fulfill their unfinished dreams.

"We've tried to make an honest film with a simple story. We're glad that the audiences have appreciated our effort," said Farhan, the director of box-office hits like "Dil Chahta Hai" and "Don".

Farhan has sung five of the nine tracks in the film, the music of which has been composed by music director trio Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy.

"I have always wanted to be an actor, but was waiting for the right script," said Farhan, who is hugely enjoying his popularity in his latest avatar as an actor.

Asked if after the box-office success of Rock On, he has plans to concentrate only on acting, the actor-director said he would like to maintain a balance between both.

"I love both acting and directing and would like to continue doing both," said Farhan who will be seen as an actor once again in his sister's Zoya Akhtar's directorial venture "Lucky by Chance".

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