Indian Films and TV Producers Council to ban Pakistani artists in Indian film industry

By Ramsha Akhtar

on February 22, 2018

Troubles for Pakistani artists only get bigger. After Pakistani singer, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan received backlash for singing a soulful rendition in the upcoming comedy flick 'Welcome to New York', the Indian Films and TV producers council has decided to pass a resolution banning Pakistani artists from working in Hindi film industry.

Suresh Amin, CEO of the council during a recent press conference held in New Delhi announced the same stating the country has no dearth of talent and therefore, there is no need to take the aid of Pakistani artists.

This came to light after singer-turned-union minister Babul Supriyo, earlier had said, Pakistani singer, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's voice in the song must be removed and dubbed by someone else as he was not able to comprehend the need or desire to cross the border for entertainment content at a time when tensions on the India-Pakistan border had escalated.

Although Supriyo maintained that the opinions were his own and not on behalf of any fringe groups, the Pakistani singer believes that music has no boundaries.

Rahat then tweeted on Tuesday: "In midst of so much being said all I can say is music has no boundaries and I thank everyone for showing so much love for the songs which I am a part of."

Composer Shamir Tandon has defended the use of his voice in the film. "If as a country, or even as an industry, we take a collective stance against working with artistes (who are all blessed by Goddess Saraswati, irrespective of the origin) from across the border, I'm happy to adhere to the same. I will be the first one to refrain," Tandon said.

He points out that the use of Pakistani voices is again rampant in Bollywood.

Rahat has been singing for Bollywood films since 2003. He has delivered many hits like "Mann ki lagan", "Jiya dhadak dhadak", "Bol na halke halke" and "O re piya".

"My point is, how come the same Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's 'Jag ghumiya' which was used in the film 'Sultan', 'Mere rashke qamar' which was used in 'Baadshaho', skips this sentiment.

"Or for that matter, Atif Aslam's recently released 'Dil diyan gallan' in 'Tiger Zinda Hai' or the Ajay Devgn song 'Sanu ek pal chain' in the film 'Raid' released a couple days ago. Why were these songs not pulled up for using Pakistani voices, while mine has? Because most of those are cover versions and mine is an original?"

Check out the song here:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anxOgp8cWgE[/embed]