Diljit Dosanjh postpones US show as FICWE objects to working with Pak National

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has postponed his show in the US, after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to cancel the visa the artist. The show was set to take place on September 21. The concert is said to have been promoted by a Pakistani national Rehan Siddiqi.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also wrote a letter to Diljit Dosanjh asking him not to perform there. The film body stated that Diljit is a thorough gentleman and superb singer-actor but has been allured by the Pak National, Mr. Rehan Siddiqi and his performance will set a wrong precedent in the wake of the current situation between the two countries.



Further, requesting for the visa cancellation, FWICE said, “It is, therefore, our humble request to you to cancel the visa of Mr. Diljit Dosanjh and his troupe or the application for visa be not granted to restrain their performance in America as it will be labelled anti-national.”

Clarifying on the issue, Diljit issued a statement on Twitter stating that he is postponing the performance. He also said that the tour was promoted by a Pakistani national but his contract was with a company called Shri Balaji Entertainment.

“Regarding Houston concert on Sep 21, I have just become aware of a letter issued by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to me by an article published in the Mumbai Mirror today, I was not aware of any such intimation by the Federation before today,” he wrote.

“I would like to state that my contract is only with “Shri Balaji Entertainment” my dealings and agreement is with them only and nobody else that is mentioned in the article or Federation Letter,” Diljit explained.

“However in lieu of the letter by the FWICE I have decided to postpone my Houston show at this time. I love my country and will always stand for the greater interest of the Nation INDIA Always,” he concluded.

https://twitter.com/diljitdosanjh/status/1171669583557746688

Ashoke Pandit, chief advisor of FWICE lauded Diljit for his decision and wrote, “FWICE really appreciates this stand of @diljitdosanjh. This kind of a stand sends a strong message that for Indians country comes first irrespective of prejudices and choices. You have set a precedence for the future.”

FWICE really appreciates this stand of @diljitdosanjh . This kind of a stand sends a strong message that for Indians country comes first irrespective of prejudices and choices. You have set a precendence for the future. https://t.co/6LgudWLwt7

— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) September 11, 2019