Support pours in for Ghulam Ali

Singers and musicians of India and Pakistan are protesting against the cancellation of legendary Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali’s performance in Mumbai on Wednesday. The event was cancelled owing to protests by the political outfit Shiv Sena.

“Ghulam Ali saab and his music are above and beyond politics. If he can’t perform it will be our loss, not his (sic),” music composer and singer Vishal Dadlani wrote on Twitter. Popular Pakistani singer, Shafqat Amanat Ali shares the sentiment, when he says, “Ghulam Ali saab, Ashaji, Lata ji, and Kishore ji are really above and beyond politics. It is really sad to see that people are still fighting over petty issues. Imagine those who were waiting to hear him sing, how disappointed will they be.” Composer Shekhar Ravjiani tweeted “Ghulam Ali Saab is our guest ... honour his presence.”

Defending its stand, Shiv Sena said in a statement, “We can’t have cultural ties with Pakistan when they kill our soldiers.” Meanwhile, Delhi’s AAP government has invited Ali to perform in Delhi. “Sad that #GhulamAli is not being allowed in Mumbai, I invite him to come to Delhi and do the concert. Music has no boundaries,” posted Delhi’s culture minister Kapil Mishra on Twitter.

Ghulam Ali Saab is our guest... honour his presence. Music knows no boundaries Shekhar Ravjiani, singer and music composer

PHOTO: SHIVAM SAXENA/HT