The program will take place as scheduled, but Ghulam Ali's performance has been cancelled. PHOTO: THEINDIANAWAAZ
However, the noted ghazal singer was more upset about the matter than angry. In an interview wth NDTV, Ghulam Ali expressed his disappointment at the unfortunate turn of events.
"I'm not angry, but very hurt. I have always got love in India," he said.
"The concert was a tribute to Jagjit Singh [prominent Indian ghazal singer]. He was like a brother to me. Such controversies spoil the sur of music," he added.
Read: Shiv Sena calls for cancellation of Pakistani ghazal singer’s performance in Mumbai
The concert was cancelled after the organisers met Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray. "Our meeting with Uddhav was good. The program will take place, but Ghulam Ali is not coming for the program," Randhir Ranjan Roy, the organiser, said.
According to NDTV, Shiv Sena was extremely vocal about cutting all ties with Pakistan and refused any form of cultural collaboration. “We are against any form of cultural association with Pakistan. We cannot have ties with a country that kills our soldiers. They are against us; why should we let their singers perform here?” said Akshay Badrapurkar, general secretary of Shiv Sena’s umbrella organisation Chitrapat Sena.
Read: Atif Aslam’s concert cancelled due to Indian political party opposition
Badrapurkar warned the organisers to cancel the music concert which is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 9, at Shanmukhanand Hall in Matunga, Mumbai.
The unfortunate event led people to tweet against the hate:
Ghulam Ali was 2 perform in commemoration of Indias beloved Jasjit Singh in gesture of goodwill.Ok 2talk tough with Pak Govt not its artists
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) October 8, 2015
After Meat Ban its Geet Ban in Mumbai #GhulamAli
— InGenious (@Bees_Kut) October 7, 2015
Hate mongers should be learning from the one whom they chose to ban ! Alas. #GhulamAli.
— dc (@dc550) October 8, 2015
Sad that #GhulamAli is not being allowed in Mumbai, I invite him to come to Delhi and do the concert. Music has no boundaries. #BanTheBan
— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) October 8, 2015
https://twitter.com/AdvaitaKala/status/651818617911287808
https://twitter.com/bprerna/status/651982291552485376
As BBC editor had the pleasure of inviting #GhulamAli to our show. Shame hs Mumbai concert is cancelled. Hope Del govt invites hm to capital
— Rifat Jawaid (@RifatJawaid) October 8, 2015
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