On 8 August, singer and composer Mika Singh performed at the mehendi ceremony of Pervez Musharraf’s relative in Karachi. His performance landed him right in the soup when Indian film industry bodies All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) imposed an unconditional ban on him. Following the ban, he wrote an apology letter to FWICE President BN Tiwari and requested a meeting to explain his side of the story.
The meeting took place on 20 August where the singer offered an unqualified apology and the commitment to never make the same error again. The film industry body then withdrew his ban which was announced at a press briefing.
According to The Times of India, the conference was held in Mumbai where the singer revealed that he had crossed the border on 3 August to visit Nankana Sahib Gurdwara. Article 370 was revoked on the 5th and his mistake was entirely unintentional.
During the conference, a journalist questioned his motives on the performance at a time when the tensions between the neighbours were at a peak. NDTV quoted him saying,
“I went there only when the government issued the visa. Nobody raises a voice when other artists perform. An attempt is being made to garner publicity in my name.”
Yahoo News quoted him further adding,
“A few months ago Neha Kakkar, Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam did a show. Why didn’t you say anything then? Why am I being singled out? Is it that you’ll ask me and it’ll make news?”
Later, Mika Singh tweeted a copy of the official press release thanking the officials for their understanding and cooperation.
Hey guys I’m very happy to announce that After meeting the #FWICE officials They have revoked the ban . I’m grateful to all .. Jai hind … pic.twitter.com/b1sci3jEPi
— King Mika Singh (@MikaSingh) August 21, 2019
As things stand right now, the film industry body has categorically stated that Indian artists are not permitted to perform at cultural events across the border. Consequences of doing so would be stringent and severe.