Aalu Anday Explained

Anday Aalu ("Potato and eggs") is a satirical rock song by Pakistani group Beygairat Brigade, based in Lahore.

Satirical message

The song Aalu Anday challenges censorship and the celebration of violence in Pakistan (particularly from its leaders) with references including:

The video, released in October 2011, includes handwritten signs that offer further controversial references, as well as predicting the kind of physical or political retribution the band may expect to suffer as a result of the video's dissemination.

Reception

The Economist described the song as "witty, lively, and enjoyable", explaining that the group's name, Beyghairat Brigade, meant "The Dishonour Brigade, and that Aalu Anday is the group's first song. The Economist wrote that "Pakistanis thrilled over a music video, available online, in which young singers poke fun at politicians, army chiefs" and more.[1]

'The New York Times' says the song "takes a tongue-in-cheek swipe at religious extremism, militancy and contradictions in Pakistani society", "as a rare voice of the country’s embattled liberals." It "delivers biting commentary on the current socio-political milieu of the country", and "rues the fact that killers and religious extremists are hailed as heroes in Pakistan".[2]

Indian Express calls the song "a peppy Punjabi number" with satirical lyrics.[3]

Video

It was shot in a class room with three members of the group. Directed by Farhan Adeel.

External links

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Economist . economist.com . Eggs, mullahs and rock 'n roll . October 21, 2011 . November 14, 2011 . A.R..
  2. Web site: New York Times . nytimes.com . Satirical Song, a YouTube Hit, Challenges Extremism in Pakistan . November 6, 2011 . November 14, 2011 . Masood, Salman.
  3. Web site: Indian Express . The Indian Express . Pak band mashes potatoes, eggs, Kasab, Nawaz Sharif . October 20, 2011 . November 14, 2011 . Lakhani, Somya.