Renowned Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali feels that this is not the right time to perform in India as nobody will enjoy his singing in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attack."I was shocked after hearing about the terror strikes.I cannot sing in such a scenario and neither the audience will enjoy my singing. So I decided not to go. I had an Indian visa," said the veteran artist in a telephonic interview to a reporter from Lahore.Discounting reports that the Pakistan government had advised him against travelling to India, he said "nobody has asked me to remain in Pakistan and not to perform in India." Ghulam Ali, who was to perform in Patna during Rajgir cultural festival on December six, said this was a "false story" spread by the media."In fact, I had requested the organisers to postpone the event but they could not do it. I had no other option. I cannot sing in such a situation. No artiste can. I had a concert in Kolkata also but the organisers postponed it," he said.He said artistes like him always desired a peaceful environment where all countries have mutual respect, love and faith for each other."Whatever happened in Mumbai is unacceptable. I feel as if it has happened to me. Hum chahte hai ki sab sur me aa jaye (I want that everyone should come on the right track).Music can play the role of healer and artistes can reduce the tension between countries." the 68-year-old Pakistani singer said.Ali said it was unfortunate that there was tension between India and Pakistan which was affecting everyone including artistes and sportspersons."It affects everyone. We should live together in peace. Lataji (Lata Mangeshkar) has a huge fan following in Pakistan and people of India bestowed so much affection on me.Such tension hurt us deeply.I am performing in India for the past 27-28 years and never felt that I am not a part of them," he said.He said terrorists have no religion. Bad people are everywhere in the world. They do not follow any religion as no religion teaches violence and killing. May Allah save us from these people." he said.Asked whether he will perform in Mumbai in the near future, he expressed his readiness but said "provided the situation is better"."During Moharrum, I do not sing anywhere be it India or Pakistan or Europe. After that I would love to perform in Mumbai if the situation improves", said Ali.
