Bangalore: India on September 13 urged Pakistan to allow top artistes like Jagjit Singh and Lata Mangeshkar into the country and allow them to perform to strengthen the "strong bond of creativity" existing between the two neighbours.

"Indian creativity is in great demand in Pakistan...there was a rare phenomenon of Pakistan Cable Association going on a strike demanding Indian programmes," Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters.

He was responding when asked what steps his ministry is taking to enhance the "feel-good factor" in view of improving relations between India and Pakistan.

"We may be two different nations. But there is a strong bond of creativity between the two countries," observed the minister, who earlier inaugurated the 35th Southern India Regional Conference of Chartered Accountants.

"We have never banned Pakistani artistes in India," Prasad said, naming some of the prominent among them. "Sure, I would appreciate if Indian artistes like Jagjit Singh and Lata Mangeshkar and others are allowed to go there."

PTI