Artists give message of love, peace through music: Ghulam Ali
Ali is scheduled to perform on the opening day of the festival.
VARANASI (Web Desk) - Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali arrived in Indian state of Varanasi on Monday for a six-day music festival at the famous Sankat Mochan temple.
Ali, who is scheduled to perform on the opening day of the festival, was invited by the head priest, Mahant Vishwambhar Nath Mishra to perform in Varanasi.
“We (artistes), through our music, give message of love and peace wherever we go. With a message of love and a few new ghazals, I am in Varanasi to spread fragrance of music, love and peace,” the ghazal maestro said as reported by Hindustan Times.
“Our voice reaches the places even where we don’t reach,” he said.
“Some influential people don’t want dialogue and meetings between the two countries,” he added.
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As bilateral talks between the foreign secretaries of the two countries take place today, the artiste said he hoped relationships under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi would further improve. “I will pray for it to happen and hope this will happen for sure.”
The Shiv Sena had also protested against Ali’s concert last October , leading to him cancelling his following concerts. Following the Pathankot attack in January, the Shiv Sena demanded that Ali’s concerts scheduled in Kerala that month be cancelled as well.
Earlier this month too, a movie launch starring Ghulam Ali, slated to take place in the Capital, was cancelled following threats. The only exception was his performance in Kolkata early this year.
With the announcement of Ali’s performance in Varanasi, the Shiv Sena put up posters reading ‘Go back Ghulam Ali’ on social media. On Monday, Shiv Sainiks burnt an effigy of the singer in the city. When asked about the latest threats and protests, the maestro said, “May good sense prevails on them.”
