News Desk |
The film association has lifted the ban from singer Mika Singh after he apologized for performing in Pakistan amid heightened tensions between the two countries on the Kashmir issue. Mika Singh was visiting Pakistan when India revoked Article 370 and 35-A, dissolving India’s special autonomous status.
Ban Revoked from Mika Singh
Mika was interacting with the media along with the chief advisor of Federation of Western India Cine Employees, Ashok Pandit, and president’s body, BN Tiwari. In his statement presented to the film body, Mika Singh asserted that he had to perform owing to his prior commitments. He, however, admitted his mistake and vowed never to perform in Pakistan again.
In his media interaction, Mika Singh claimed that the decision of Article 370 was taken immediately, however, the timing of his visit to Pakistan was not suitable.
The lifelong ban implied that Mika Singh was barred from playback singing, live performances, and concerts in India. In response to the ban, the singer issued a letter to the organizations to let him present his view.
“This was a commitment signed long back. The timing was wrong that I went there because the decision on Article 370 has just been taken. I called the federation and told them that this was a mistake. I apologize for the mistake and I won’t repeat it. I got a visa, so I went (to Pakistan). If you get a visa, you will go, too,” said the singer.
The media interaction soon turned into a heated debate when journalists berated him for visiting Pakistan post-Pulwama attack.
“Do you (media) know that Neha Kakkar and (Pakistani singer) Atif Aslam performed here only two months ago? Do you know that Sonu Nigam also performed together with Atif four months ago? Why did no one say anything then? When I do something, the media talks about it to grab headlines. You want me to get angry so that you can show it on your news channels and (publish it in) the newspapers,” he said.
Announcing that the ban on Mika was now being lifted, Ashok Pandit said, “We were in shock that Mika performed in Pakistan and at a time when India is bleeding due to Pakistan. Such an approach on the part of Indian artists is not acceptable. However, we are now taking back the circular to ban Mika Singh.”
Read more: Mika Singh pleads to withdraw ban imposed post his performance in Karachi
Tiwari said, “We had issued the letter to ban Mika Singh but Mika wrote back to us saying he wanted to be heard. He said he regrets that the timing of the event and his visit to Pakistan was not right. We had a meeting and heard Mika’s version.”
He further added that the film association is steadfast in its decision to maintain a ban on Pakistani artists working in the Indian entertainment industry.
Hey guys I’m very happy to announce that After meeting the #FWICE officials They have revoked the ban . I’m grateful to all .. Jai hind … pic.twitter.com/b1sci3jEPi
— King Mika Singh (@MikaSingh) August 21, 2019
Mika Singh’s Calls to Review the Ban
Indian singer Mika Singh came under fire for performing in Pakistan amid Kashmir tensions and requested the Federation of All Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to reconsider its decision of imposing a ban on the singer. He asked the association to refrain from taking such a strict action against him. Besides FWICE, All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also placed a lifelong ban against him.
The lifelong ban implied that Mika Singh was barred from playback singing, live performances, and concerts in India. In response to the ban, the singer issued a letter to the organizations to let him present his view. He was scheduled to meet the associations on Tuesday.
The singer was disparaged on social media for performing in Pakistan amid simmering tensions between India and Pakistan following India’s dissolution of the special status of Jammu Kashmir.
Mika Singh shared a video featuring BN Tiwari, the president FWICE on his Twitter account, stating that he has been called upon by the organization to defend his case following his letter to the organization.
Tiwari says in the video, “Mika has said in the letter that he is willing to agree to all things the confederation decides.” Tiwari adds, “In his letter, Mika says that ‘If I have done something wrong, I am ready to apologize to the nation, but until you hear me out please don’t impose any kind of ban on me.”
Tiwari assured the association would not pursue the matter legally until the meeting has been convened between Singh and the organization.
Mika Singh shared the video, reiterated that he will continue to serve his country despite all odds, in his Twitter message. Adding that, “I would like to sincerely thank Mr. BN Tiwari and #FWICE for being so understanding towards me and my sentiments. JaiHind 🙏🏻.. #Supportindiansingers #Banpaksitanisingers …(sic).”
Read more: Mika Singh’s visit to Pakistan marred by controversies amid Kashmir tensions
A Wedding Performance in Pakistan
Mika Singh’s performance at a wedding function of a relative of Pakistan’s former president Pervez Musharraf caused uproar on India’s social media. Scores of Twitter users berated Singh for compromising nationalistic values for monetary gains. The singer was disparaged on social media for performing in Pakistan amid simmering tensions between India and Pakistan following India’s dissolution of the special status of Jammu Kashmir.