‘I don’t want to drag Khan saab into any controversy’
Says film-maker and TV personality Suhaib Ilyasi, who will premiere his next film, featuring Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali Khan, in Delhi
Suhaib Ilyasi, who is best remembered as the host of the crime series, India’s Most Wanted, has wrapped up the shoot of his film. It features a cameo by veteran Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali Khan.
In October, last year, Khan’s concert in Mumbai was cancelled, following threats from a political party. So, Suhaib has decided to invite the singer for the premiere of the film in Delhi, and not Mumbai.
“I wanted the premiere to be held in Mumbai, but he won’t be able to come to the city. He is deeply saddened about the state of affairs. Though there might not be an issue with his appearance at the premiere in Mumbai this time around, I don’t want to take a chance. I don’t want to drag Khan saab into any controversy,” says the director.
The event is slated for next month. Pt Jasraj and many other notable singers will attend the event.
Suhaib hopes that other Pakistani singers and artistes “aren’t subjected to such treatment”. “It doesn’t send out the right message,” he says.
Suhaib goes on to talk about how he has “immense respect and love for the singer”, and that’s why he chose him for the role. “He has sung a patriotic song in the film. We wanted to add a classic touch to the movie. There are many singers who can deliver, but he is a class apart. By God’s grace, he agreed. It was a special moment for us,” says Suhaib.