Mr. Illyasi says he had written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking security for the music launch in the face of opposition by the Shiv Sena, which had past year forced the cancellation of a concert by Ghulam Ali in memory of ghazal singer Jagjit Singh.
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The makers of Bollywood film “Ghar Vapsi” have demanded police protection for Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali, who will arrive here on Thursday for the movie’s music launch. The venue where the musical event was planned will not be available on Friday.
Ali’s event scheduled for January 29 was earlier cancelled in view of security threats to him. It is unfortunate that this incident is happening. “Prime Minister Modi had taken a initiative to improve relations with Pakistan and it is sad that Ghulam Ali’s sahibs program had to cancelled in a BJP ruled state”, Ilyasi told ANI.
“The owner of the club agreed and shared our sentiments”, the Sena leader said. “It has been cancelled”, said filmmaker Suhaib Ilyasi. “But he picked up gradually”, Ilyasi said. “We had not threatened anyone but we are against Pakistanis coming here and we will protest in our own way”.
“I am feeling helpless but we can’t do anything about it. I wanted a peaceful stay for Ali saab but certain things didn’t work out so Ghulam Ali’s Mumbai concert has been called off”.
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Fearing hooliganism from Sena, Ilyasi had also sought police protection for event organizers and participators from Mumbai Police and Maharashtra government. “The reason they gave was the tension prevailing between India and Pakistan”. But I am hopeful I will get it in a day or two. Ilyasi’s film is “about the latest debate on intolerance”.
