Didi, Delhi woo Ghulam Ali; he’ll sing in Kolkata

KOLKATA/ NEW DELHI: A day after ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali’s concert was cancelled in Mumbai after Shiv Sena’s protests, Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Delhi tourism minister Kapil Mishra on Thursday invited the vocalist to perform in Kolkata and Delhi, respectively. Accepting Mamata’s invitation, Ghulam Ali told TOI: “Hum toh mohabbat ke liye aate hai. Unki yeh daawat hum zaroor kabul karenge (I come to India because of the love I get.I will surely accept her invitation).”
READ ASLO: Pakistan singer Ghulam Ali's concerts in Mumbai, Pune called off over Sena protest
Mamata, who is in Thimpu, had tweeted after she learnt of cancellation of Ghulam Ali’s concert: “Music has no boundaries. Music is the rhythm of the heart. Ghulam Ali Ji, concert can be held in Kolkata. We will make all arrangements.”
Just before Mamata’s tweet, Ghulam Ali had sounded disturbed when TOI spoke to him in Delhi. “I will perform sometime later. In life, there are ups and downs. Koi baat nahi. (It’s ok.) I have performed in Mumbai several times and people have always showered their love on me,” said Ghulam Ali, who had, incidentally, performed earlier this year at the famous Sankat Mochan temple in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency, Varanasi.
“Jagjit (Singh) was like my brother. It’s unfortunate that he passed away so suddenly. This concert (in Mumbai) was being organised on his death anniversary. Hence, it was all the more special for me,” he said, sounding disturbed about the cancellation.
READ ASLO: After cancellation of Mumbai show, AAP invites Ghulam Ali to perform in Delhi
On being reminded of a similar disruption in Mumbai earlier, the maestro said: “That was some 15 years ago. I think there was a problem with distribution of passes.” Immediately after that disruption, Kolkata had hosted a concert of Ghulam Ali, known for unforgettable ghazals like ‘Chupke chupke’, ‘Hungama hai kyun barpa’ and ‘Faasle Aise Bhi Honge’.
When TOI spoke to him in the evening and told him about Mamata’s offer, he said: “Hum toh mohabbat ke liye aate hain. Mamataji’s tweet reflects this love. I like to perform here because people speak and understand my language. I am so thankful to the CM for extending such a warm welcome. Shukriya, Mamataji.”
On being told that the Bengal government wants to make arrangements for his concert, he accepted the invite, saying: “For me, the purpose of music is to offer tranquillity and peace. Such cancellation of shows disturbs the peace of mind. But I’m touched by Mamataji’s thoughtfulness.” He said he wants to return to Pakistan on Friday. “But I will keep Mamataji’s invitation in mind and will return to perform in Kolkata,” he promised.
READ ASLO: Mahesh Bhatt criticises cancellation of Ghulam Ali's concert
Kolkata, he said, holds a special place in his heart. He had performed at Dakshin Kalikata Sansad last winter and has fond memories of that concert. “Shandar kalakar hai wahan pe (there are terrific artistes there). There is Rashid Khan. Then, there is Maskoor Ali Khan. These are really big musicians. I am proud that Kolkata still wants to host a small musician like me,” said the ghazal maestro.
The Aam Aadmi Party, too, extended an invitation to Ghulam Ali, asking him to perform in the Capital. “Sad that Ghulam Ali is not being allowed in Mumbai. I invite him to come to Delhi and do the concert. Music has no boundaries,” tweeted Mishra.
“This sort of divisive politics has no role in today’s India. Music and art forms should not be politicised in such a way,” he added.
AAP government sources said they would be getting in touch with the singer to extend an invitation to him formally and plan a proper concert.