Hours after actor Shah Rukh Khan’s detention at the Los Angeles airport by US immigration on Friday, sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s visa application to the UK was rejected by the British High Commission in Delhi.
Khan, who in the past has done extensive UK tours including special performances for The Prince of Wales, is slated to perform at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall, which is located at the heart of Southbank Centre in London.
When contacted by The Indian Express, Khan said, “As compared to earlier, it’s happening more now. The moment you are Khan or Ali, these issues come up. I haven’t been given a reason for the rejection. There never is. But a lot, I think, has to do with the current situation in the world. May be they are considering world peace, harmony and disharmony matters. In these, they’ve also forgotten that I am an artiste, who will be there as a messenger of peace,” said Khan, 70, who in the past has performed at the St James Palace, and at High Grove, which is Prince Charles’ country home that comprises a small concert hall for short intimate gatherings.
“They must understand the feeling of the artiste. We all want peace and harmony. This is becoming a very sad situation for the artistes who are trying to spread the message of peace and love across the world,” said Khan, who approached Minister for External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj via his Facebook page for help.
“I am committed to performing at the Royal Festival Hall and have already said yes to the organisers. I’m hoping that the matter would be looked into,” said Khan.
Source: Indian Express
When contacted by The Indian Express, Khan said, “As compared to earlier, it’s happening more now. The moment you are Khan or Ali, these issues come up. I haven’t been given a reason for the rejection. There never is. But a lot, I think, has to do with the current situation in the world. May be they are considering world peace, harmony and disharmony matters. In these, they’ve also forgotten that I am an artiste, who will be there as a messenger of peace,” said Khan, 70, who in the past has performed at the St James Palace, and at High Grove, which is Prince Charles’ country home that comprises a small concert hall for short intimate gatherings.
“They must understand the feeling of the artiste. We all want peace and harmony. This is becoming a very sad situation for the artistes who are trying to spread the message of peace and love across the world,” said Khan, who approached Minister for External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj via his Facebook page for help.
“I am committed to performing at the Royal Festival Hall and have already said yes to the organisers. I’m hoping that the matter would be looked into,” said Khan.
Source: Indian Express
0 Comments