Hindustan Times
Ghulam Ali concert called off after Shiv Sena threats
HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times, New Delhi | Updated: Oct 07, 2015 21:42 IST
Ghulam Ali and late Jagjit Singh at a concert. (HT File Photo)
Pakistani ghazal legend Ghulam Ali’s concert in Mumbai has been called off despite chief minister Devendra Fadnavis’ assurance to provide full protection against threats from the Shiv Sena, reports said Wednesday.
PTI reported that the event was cancelled after the organisers met the Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. The ghazal maestro was scheduled to perform on Friday at the Shanmukhananda Hall in the city.
Earlier in the day members of the Sena’s film wing, the Chitrapat Sena, met officials at the venue and told them they would have to face the “anger of Shiv Sena and the patriotic people” if they went ahead with the event.
“We want to convey to you that if you invite Pakistan artist to the show you will have to face the Shiv Sena’s wrath... Which is why we ask you to prohibit the Pakistan artist from coming to the programme, ” Chitrapat Sena Vibhag Pramukh Mangesh Satamkar said in a letter to the organisers.
The BJP which rules the state in alliance with the Shiv Sena distanced itself from the threat with CM Fadnavis offering full protection to the event.
“What the Sena is doing with Ghulam Ali is absolutely wrong. People like him must be kept above and beyond borders,” union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said.
The Sena said it was opposing the “terrorism spread by Islamabad” and that was not against the singer.
“We are not opposing Ghulam Ali but opposing terrorism by Pakistan. Shiv Sena is against keeping any relations with Pakistan till the time they stop terrorism,” Sena leader Sanjay Raut said.
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