After Pakistan TV Artist exit from India under pressure from Shiv Sena, Pakistan had stopped Ghazal Maestro Ghulam Ali from flying to India after the recent backlash in Mumbai Terror.

The ghazal maestrao who was to kick-off his umpteenth India visit — this time with Bihar’s Rajgir Mahotsava on Saturday told “Hum sadme mein hain. Hamein roka gaya hai (I am traumatised. I have been stopped from travelling).” Ali had a visa to travel to India but a call from a Pakistani official, whom he did not name, advised him against going ahead with the tour. Ali did not want to divuldge any further details of why he backed out the tour.

The soulful singer expressed anguish at the sudden eruption of hostility. “What can I do? I am sitting at home. I am helpless,” he said. “Haalaat theek nahi hain (the scenario isn’t good).”

Giving Fitting reply was YRF Banners who had decided not to release the Shahrukh Khan Starrer Rab Ne Bana di Jodi on Pakistani soil.

Yash Raj’s next release Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi starring Shah Rukh Khan may not see a release on Pakistan’s screens. Sources reveal the production house is considering the option of holding back its release in Pakistan.

After the Mumbai mayhem which have made the relations between the two countries hit a rock bottom, Bollywood which has always advocated for stronger cultural ties between the two countries is also marred by the recent terror strikes.

A Yash Raj spokesperson agrees that this option is being considered, “We are looking at the possibilities.” However the production house is not ready to openly discuss the reasons behind the move.

A source reveals, “The terror attacks in the city have marred Bollywood as well. Since the government is talking about cutting all kinds of bilateral ties with Pakistan, it doesn’t make sense to release an Indian film there.

RNBDJ is a big release for Yash Raj, and SRK is a huge star in Pakistan. If the film doesn’t release in Pakistan it will definitely be a setback for the audience there.” It is learnt that Aditya Chopra had a discussion with Shah Rukh over the same and both agreed that the terror attacks are quite fresh in public memory and it would send out the wrong signals.

People-to People exchanges must continue between Indians and Pakistanis. It is essential to continue to foster civil society engagement among our people. It is important to resume normalcy at the same time as increasing vigilance and security and bringing the terrorists to justice. Culture is what we share. Why would a ghazal singer pose a problem of any kind? Prominent musicians in India can renew the invitation and make Ghulam Ali’s visit possible. Also Yash Raj Banner should go ahead with its scheduled release in Pakistan.

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