Pune concert also cancelled on Sena threat

Ghulam Ali who he been very hurt with the protest said that such controversies spoil the “sur of music”.

The ghazal singer emphasised that borders between countries can not restrict the music from streaming into the hearts of people.

Ustaad Ghulam Ali’s tribute concert for the late Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh, to be held in Mumbai, was cancelled recently, thanks to Shiv Sena’s strong refusal to allow the event to take place in the city. Our singers and perform and celebrities additionally visit Pakistan.

Aadesh Bandekar, a TV artiste and a close associate of Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, said that even though the party respects the talent of those from across the border, it “will not allow citizens of Pakistan to work here and make money”.

Nawab Malik, the NCP spokesman, recalled that after the Kargil conflict, the late Sena chief Bal Thackeray had hosted Javed Miandad, the Pakistani cricketer, at his residence. “I have always got love in India”, Ghulam Ali told NDTV.

In February 2014, 40-50 Shiv Sena members disrupted a press conference being held by the Pakistani musician Mekal Hassan at the Mumbai Press Club. “Ghulam Ali was to perform in commemoration of India’s beloved Jagjit Singh in a gesture of goodwill”, said Shabana Azmi.

The organisers took the decision to cancel Mr Ali’s performance under pressure from Shiv Sena despite chief minister Devendra Fadnavis’ assurance to provide adequate protection to the concert.

However, Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra on 8 October extended an invite to Ali to perform in the capital.

“Ghulam anagrams to Mughal and we can not let him set foot in the country after what Mughals did to our country”, said an activist belonging to one such group as he raised slogans against the singer. He also said that he wants to spread love with his songs and his admiration for India remains undiminished. “When there are constant ceasefire violations, our jawans are beheaded; we can not be having fun with them”.

Members of the Chitrapat Sena, met the organiser of the hall and has requested him to cancel the concert.