Pakistani artistes ‘not welcome in India’

Mumbai: In a reversal of her earlier stand, renowned Bollywood singer Asha Bhosle has said that Pakistani artistes are not welcome in India especially after the brutal killing of two Indian soldiers along the Line of Control (LoC) by Pakistani troops.

Her U-turn comes after her decision to be a judge in the recent television music reality show ‘Sur Kshetra’ featuring Pakistani singers and judges.

Speaking at a news conference called in Pune to promote a forthcoming Hindi film ‘Mai’ featuring her in a key role, Bhosle said: “So far many Pakistani artistes have visited and performed in India. That period is over. The recent killing of two Indian soldiers by Pakistanis along the LoC was unwarranted. Henceforth, Pakistani artistes are no longer welcome in India.”

Ashatai — as Bhosle is known in Maharashtrian circles — went on to add: “We have been welcoming Pakistani artistes to India with good intention. Many of the Pakistani artistes have become big after coming to India. But, our good sentiments are not reciprocated in Pakistani.”

Bhosle’s move to participate as judge on the Color television channel-sponsored music reality show in which upcoming Pakistani singers compete with counterparts from India, sparked major controversy, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray bitterly criticising her decision.

Taking exception to the singer’s justification to participate in ‘Sur Kshetra’ the MNS chief said: “Ashatai says Athiti Devo Bhavah [The Guest is God], while justifying her decision to participate in the programme along with singers from our neighbouring country. But, I would like her to clarify first if it is Athiti Devo Bhavah or Paisa Devo Bhavah [The Guest is God or Money is God]”.

The Indian singer had said:“I am not related to any politics or party’s agenda. I love Raj [Thackeray] and he loves my music. That’s it. He talks about me. That’s his perspective of things. I am not concerned with political issues over the show. As humans, we must take along everyone in life. That is humanity.”

When asked to explain her change in stand vis-à-vis Pakistani artistes, Bhosle said in Pune on Sunday: “If I had participated in ‘Sur Kshetra’, it was not for listening to Pakistani songs, but to listen to the voices of Pakistani singers. I participated in a music show featuring Pakistani artistes in good faith. So far many many Pakistani artistes came to India and scaled new heights in their procession. But, unfortunately they do not respect our sentiments. That being the case, why should we welcome them [Pakistani artistes]?”

Pakistani contestant Nabeel Shaukat Ali won Sur Kshetra, the final of which was held in the Dubai World Trade Centre on December 20, 2012.

The jury members present at the final of the music show were: Asha Bhosle, Runa Laila, Abida Parveen, Gulam Ali, Esmail Darbar, Sajjad, and Suresh Wadkar.