Ignore Mumbai, Mr Ali!

Shiv Sena refuses to allow Pakistan singer Ghulam Ali to perform in Mumbai. But the city has hosted Ali before and says he is ‘always welcome’

Pakistani singer Ustad Ghulam Ali is currently caught in the middle of a controversy in India, one not of his making. The singer, who was supposed to perform at a tribute concert for Jagjit Singh, who was “like a brother” to him, will now not perform in Mumbai because Shiv Sena is against the artiste’s performance.

The artiste has performed several times in Hyderabad, the most recent was when he was here for the Telangana State celebrations. Despite the opposition, the artistes from the city are clear — “Hyderabad will always welcome him with open arms.”

It’s an absolute insult to the artiste. Hyderabad has always been a great place for music. Hum sar’akhon pe rakhte hain (In Hyderabad we treat artistes with respect). We never differentiate country or caste. Even today if he comes and performs here everyone will be thrilled.

— Ateeq Hussain Khan BandaNawazi, Sufi Qawwali singer

Such things should not be allowed to happen. It is very sad that Ghulam Ali’s performance has been cancelled. Hyderabad has seen many of his performances and everyone has loved it. We welcome him to perform anytime in our city.

— Naseer Warsi, Of the duo Nazeer and Naseer Warsi

We need to respect artistes. Ghulam Ali has performed many times in our city and there has never been an issue because our state recognises this sort of culture.

— Anjali Gopalakrishna, Ghazal singer

It is so sad that such a renowned artiste is being denied the chance to perform in the country. Especially when he is performing at a tribute concert for another artiste. We should never bring borders into art and culture.

— Mala Bararia, Ghazal singer