Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, music composers Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani have criticised the cancellation of Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali’s concert here following Shiv Sena’s threat to disrupt it.
The 74-year-old singer was scheduled to perform tomorrow but Shiv Sena warned that no artiste from Pakistan will be allowed to perform in the city till terror emanating from across the border is stopped.
The organisers announced the cancellation yesterday after a meeting with Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray at ‘Matoshree’, the Thackeray residence in suburban Bandra.
“Are we at war with Pakistan? Have we severed diplomatic relations? Have we closed down our Embassies? Then what justification is there to ban Ghulam Ali?
“Ghulam Ali was 2 perform in commemoration of Indias beloved Jasjit Singh in gesture of goodwill. Ok to talk tough with Pak Govt not its artists,” Azmi wrote on her Twitter page.
Vishal posted, “Ghulam Ali saab and his music are above and beyond politics. If he can’t perform it will be our loss, not his. #Shame.”
His composing partner Shekhar wrote, “Ghulam Ali Saab is our guest. Honour his presence. Music knows no boundaries.
