Pak artists in trouble after Mumbai terror attack

ABHIJEET QUITS: Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya recently quit a reality show because there were Pakistani contestants.

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Mumbai: The Mumbai terror attack has left the entertainment industry taking sides. The allegation of Pakistan's involvement in the operation has resulted in certain members of Bollywood calling for a ban on Pakistani artistes performing on Indian soil.

Recently the Shiv Sena also announced that it would ensure that no Pakistani cultural artiste or player would be allowed to come and play in Mumbai or Maharashtra.

“When Pakistanis come here, be it singers or whatever we give them so much importance. But are we treated like this when we go there? Why would we give them so much importance when we have our own talent?” says Smita Thackeray.

“Everyone is welcome but not Pakistanis,” says singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya.

The singers had even walked out of a reality show which had Pakistani participants and only returned after being threatened to be sued by the production house.

“I left that show that day. They were to sue me because of breach of agreement. It was not mentioned from their side that there will be Pakistani artist. I refused to do the show where Pakistani people are taking part,” Abhijeet adds.

Post the Mumbai attacks, Shiv Sainiks reportedly also went on the sets of a popular comedy television show and threatened the producers to remove all Pakistani comedians performing on the show. The shoot eventually had to be postponed since two of the finalists on the show were from Pakistan.

But a majority from the industry still believes that artistic talent and creative freedom should rise above terror politics.

“Whether they are Pakistani, from UK or India; artists are artists. I think we should be very focused, we shouldn’t devalue our focus. We can’t blame the entire national community,” says Tips Managing Director Kumar Taurani.

“Music is actually a balm, it is a heeling touch. I think people should just keep politics and this entire religion and borders out of music,” says singer Palash Sen.