Mahesh Bhatt photographed at an event.
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has criticized the cancellation of renowned Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali's concert in Mumbai after objections raised by the Shiv Sena, which co-governs Maharashtra with the BJP.
The 75-year old singer was scheduled to perform in Mumbai and Pune this week as a part of the fourth death anniversary tribute to late singer Jagjit Singh.
"It's a familiar nightmare that keeps on recurring in this part of our country and one has seen irrespective of the government in the seat of power, the peace activists of the civil society aiming for keeping cultural ties intact with Pakistan have to face roadblocks like this," Mr Bhatt told IANS in a telephonic interview.
"But even if level talks are not taking place, let the civil society be given rights to keep their cultural ties intact through the performing arts," he added.
Mr Bhatt has given a sample of his work to the neighbouring country with a play based on his 1989 film
Daddy, which was staged in Pakistan earlier this year.
"During the Congress regime, we had to go through a similar scenario where Pakistani actors and performers were obstructed from performing. Then came this new government. In the beginning signals were given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who sent an invitation to Nawaz Sharif, saying that they wish to bridge the distances that exist between the two countries and nothing much happened on that front," he added.(Also Read:
'Not Angry, Very Hurt' Says Pak Singer Ghulam Ali as Concert Cancelled After Sena Threat)
Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra on October 8 invited Ghulam Ali to perform in the capital.