Amar Singh condemns treatment towards Ghulam Ali

Former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh on Monday condemned the cancellation of an event where Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali had to launch the music of Indian film "Ghar Wapsi" here.

The management of a hotel in central Delhi cancelled the music launch at the eleventh hour when some people protesting against the presence of Ghulam Ali, who has not only sung but also acted in the Suhaib Ilyasi directorial.

Amar Singh, who also has a part to play in the movie, said the treatment meted out to the celebrated singer is "extremely disappionting".

Even with a large police force guarding the venue, a bunch of protestors came forward to threaten the management of the hotel, chanting slogans like "Ghulam Ali muradabad" and disrupted the event.

When Amar Singh reached the venue, he was stopped outside the gates of the hotel.

Asked to comment on the cancellation of the event, Singh told reporters here that nobody can stop Ghulam Ali from doing his work and from showcasing his talent.

"You cannot bind Ghulam Ali in borders and religion... How can anyone stop Ghulam Ali's art? We detest this whole episode and the treatment, it is extremely disappointing," he said.

He added that Ghulam Ali's music is evergreen, and it is something that will keep him alive for generations altogether.

When the hotel's management was questioned about why the press conference and music launch event was cancelled, a representative told IANS: "We are just doing our job."

This latest cancellation of the film's music launch follows the January 29 cancellation of the event in Mumbai after reported threats.