In yet another instance of censorship in Maharashtra, Pakistani singer Atif Aslam’s concert, scheduled to be held in Pune on April 25, was cancelled on Tuesday after the Shiv Sena threatened to disrupt the show.
In a strict warning to the organisers, the Shiv Sena had opposed the show and demanded that it be cancelled.
Mr. Aslam, who has a huge fan base in India, was scheduled to perform at Amanora Park in the Hadapsar area.
Anjaneya Sathe, the organiser of the event, said they had bowed to the Sena’s demand considering the “law and order” situation and the “popular sentiments” surrounding Pakistan.
Sena leader Ajay Bhosle said the party would not allow any Pakistani artiste to perform. “If they decide to go ahead with the concert, they would have to face action “Sena style,” Mr. Bhosle warned.
Sena MP Sanjay Raut, while contending that the party’s central command was not aware of the protest, said it was in line with the party’s ideology.
