Indians host weddings abroad to invite Pakistani artists after ban, says Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Singer recently landed in hot water after viral video reportedly depicted him assault student

In the midst of a brewing controversy surrounding a viral video showing him allegedly beating up a student, renowned Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has stirred the pot further by claiming that Indians host weddings abroad to circumvent the ban on Pakistani artists performing in India.

In a candid conversation with YouTuber Adeel Asif, Rahat expressed his thoughts on the ban imposed since the 2016 Uri attack, stating, “Since we couldn’t travel to India, Indians… I would like to give them some credit, they started hosting their destination weddings in foreign countries because India does not allow Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Atif Aslam to come in and perform. (They said) We will host our weddings outside so they can come and perform.”

Rahat's music, once widely embraced in India, faced a setback after the ban, with his songs in Salman Khan’s Dabangg 3 being replaced. Despite this, his music continues to resonate with fans across the border.

In a significant ruling in October, 2023, the Bombay High Court rejected a petition that sought to ban artists from Pakistan in India. The petition, filed by cine worker and artiste, Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, had urged the government of India to prohibit Pakistani artists, including actors, musicians, singers, lyricists, and technicians, from collaborating with or working in India.

As per a report by Bollywood Hungama and Live Law India, the division bench of Justice Sunil B Shukre and Justice Firdosh P Pooniwalla ruled against this plea, emphasising the importance of promoting peace and cultural harmony through artistic exchanges.

Rahat’s remarks come after Pakistani singer Atif Aslam, known for chart-toppers like Dil Diyan Gallan and Tera Hone Laga Hoon among other cross-border hits, is reportedly preparing for his Bollywood comeback. According to India Today, Atif is set to lend his voice to a song in the upcoming Bollywood film Love Story of 90s.

The film producers expressed their excitement, saying, "It is a very reassuring thing for Atif Aslam to make a comeback after 7-8 years. We are very happy because he has sung the first song in our film Love Story of 90s. Atif Aslam’s fans will be very thrilled. He is going to make a comeback in Bollywood through our film."

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