MUMBAI: The terror attacks in Mumbai will have lasting impact, even on the cultural scene of the country, it seems.
Renowned Pakistan based ghazal singer Ghulam Ali, a much loved name in music circles in India, has put his India concerts on hold for a while. The last time Ghulam Ali performed in Mumbai was on 20 November 2008 for a concert entitled ‘Infinity’with Pt. Ajay Pohankar and Abhijeet Pohankar at the Shanmukhananda auditorium
Ghulam Ali was set to perform at the Rajgir Mahotsava in Bihar this week. Sources confirmed that though Ghulam had all the visa formalities in place, a senior offcial from the Pakistan Government advised the artiste not to proceed to India. Ghazal exponent Talat Aziz will now perform in place of Ghulam Ali at the festival
Officials at the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, organisers of the Rajgir festival, confirmed to Radioandmusic.com that an intimation cancelling Ali’s visit to the state came only two days ago. Ali was scheduled to arrive in Patna on Saturday morning and drive to Rajgir for his concert. The Rajgir Mahotsava is a colorful annual festival of dance and music that is held in Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha kings. The Department of Tourism in Bihar organises this vibrant festival of classical and folk dances. The program includes instrumental music, devotional songs, opera, folk dance, ballet or the many schools of classical dance and music. This festival is held during the last week of October and is a large tourist attraction.
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The festival is being held on 6 and 7 December 2008 at Rajgir, Bihar, India.
In the past, Indian and Pakistan artistes have come together on many occasions to revive the relations between the two countries, since music has often been a common binding factor. However, after the recent attacks, the heat is affecting the music industry since many Pakistan based artistes have made India their ‘work-town’. Most of the aristes and performers shuttle between India and Pakistan and due to tragic incident their current projects are likely to get affected
Ghulam Ali, who returned to India after a long time this year, launched an album ‘Generations’ with Asha Bhosle (after a gap of 25 years) in Mumbai in October, before proceeding on a string of concerts across Indian cities, drawing packed houses. He also appeared on Star Plus’ music talent hunt Chhote Ustaad as a judge in August, cancelling his London trip to be able to keep his date with the young aspiring singers.
