SHOCKING! Mawra Hocane’s performance in Sydney CANCELLED, courtsey ban on Pakistani artists

Just when we believed that the discussion around banning Pakistani artists in India had mellowed down a little, here comes yet another shocker. After Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, Pakistani actress Mawara Hocane is the most recent celebrity to have fallen victim to the controversies surrounding the prohibition on Pakistani artists. A Mumbai Mirror report states that the show which was assumed to be held on October 15 in Australia had Kheech Meri Photograph singer Akasa Singh performing in Sydney and Melbourne. The show organiser Vvikas Paul said that he was approached by Hocane who asked if she could share the stage. He said, “When the marketing posters were seen by Mawra, she approached me two days prior to the show, asking if she could share the stage with Akasa to perform on her song. We thought it was a good idea but Rakeshji (Rakesh Upadhyay, Himesh’s company partner) insisted that they didn’t desire her on the stage so I politely declined her offer. I believe she understood why it occurred.“

Rakesh confirmed the news, saying, “We have worked with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in Namastey London and in Bodyguard but owing to the current situation, the country comes first for us. Mawra tried to reach out to me too but I ignored her. I informed Himesh and he agreed with the decision.”

While the ban on Pakistani artists has created a rift in the state and the film industry too, it looks like not just India but other countries too are reacting to the prohibition. The ban comes in the wake of Uri assault that occurred last month when 19 Indian soldiers lost their lives battling terroists. Last month, Shafqat Amanat Ali and Atif Aslam’s concerts were canceled due to the protests by MNS who warned the Pakistani performers to return to their nation. “In IMPPA we have not banned Pakistani celebrities but we have told the producers that any producer who had already made the movie, then their movies should be released and they should make new movies only when India Pakistan connections get better,” said president T.P. Aggarwal.

While celebrities like Priyanka Chopra and Salman Khan have come out in open and supported Pakistani artists, some like Anupam Kher and Randeep Hooda have maintained that India shouldn’t entertain any gift from outside the nation.