Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh postpones US show promoted by a Pakistani national

Earlier today, India's cine body, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) asked singer and actor, Diljit Dosanjh to cancel his appearance at an upcoming show being promoted by a Pakistani national.

Diljit, who was supposed to perform at the US show on September 21 had been told to “cancel his commitment in the interest, sentiments and dignity of the nation”.

In another letter to the Ministry of External Affairs, FWICE requested that Diljit and his troupe’s visa should be cancelled, just in case he doesn’t cancel the tour.

The Udta Punjab actor took to his Twitter handle and issued a statement regarding the concert, writing that he's postponing the performance and that his contract was with a company called Shri Balaji Entertainment:

FWICE's chief advisor, Ashoke Pandit lauded Diljit for his decision:

A press release shared by FWICE stated, “FWICE is deeply concerned and anguished with our Artists/Singers/Dancers/Anchors and other Performers knowingly performing in Pakistan and Pak performers performing in India despite our strict warnings. We have also come to know from our reliable sources that our Performers in general and Actor, Saif Ali Khan and Singer, Shreya Ghoshal in particular are giving their performances in America at the behest of Mr. Rehan Siddiqi, a Pakistani National, who is also the promoter of the shows.”

It added, “We have just seen a poster of Artist/Singer Mr. Diljit Dosanjh who is giving his performance in a show organised by Mr. Rehan Siddiqi (a Pakistani National). We are also writing to him to cancel this commitment of his in the interest of sentiments & dignity of our Nation.”

The body further shared that they “have zero tolerance for such performers and condemn it as anti-national and unpatriotic bordering to treason with your own country” and that artists “not give priority to monetary considerations and refrain from being a part of any such project.”

Last month, singer Mika was banned by FWICE as well as AICWA (All India Cine Workers Association) for performing at a private event in Karachi, Pakistan. The ban was lifted after the singer publicly apologised at a press conference.