Earlier this month, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) asked two Indian show promoters to cancel their shows with Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, owing to the growing tensions between Pakistan and India. “We have received a poster where you are promoting the concert of Pakistani artist, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in USA and Canada from 4th October, 2019 to 20th October, 2019,” read the warning letter issued by FWICE.
However, in a recent turn of events, RFAK’s producer and global promoter Salman Ahmed has condemned this, insisting that no one can stop their shows.
“I’m not only surprised but rather disappointed at the acumen of learned people that they feel shows and efforts of hundreds of people will just be put to waste by feeble threats of people/organisations,” he maintained in a press statement, adding, “Our shows and tours are not made out of Lego. There is a lot of time, efforts, money and most importantly sentiments of the artist and the audiences, which are at stake. As stated, no one can and will stop our shows unless the Almighty wants to. Our tours globally, be it Australia, USA, Canada, UK, UAE, Oman, are all going ahead. Be it Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan or other artists, they are not bothered by this neither are the promoters. Spreading hatred is a universal crime and no one has ever done this to artists irrespective of race or religion.”
