MNS ‘bans’ Pak music in city

If you happen to be a fan of Ghulam Ali, Mehdi Hasan or Adnan Sami, here is some bad news: you will find it impossible to buy albums, old and new, of any Pakistani artist, anywhere in the city. Even albums of deceased Pakistani singers will not be sold. The reason: the MNS has called for a blanket ban all over Maharashtra on the selling of any movie or music album of Pakistani artists.

“There is a huge demand but unfortunately a political party has asked us not to sell their albums,” says a representative of Rhythm House, on condition of anonymity. Planet M and Crosswrd do not have a single album by a Pakistani artist, either in stock or on display.

Ameya Khopkar, head of the MNS’s Bollywood wing believes that since Mumbai was hit by terror attacks recently, Pakistani artists shouldn’t be promoted. “If shop owners don’t support us, we will deal with them in the ‘MNS way’.” What about the revenue losses incurred? Pat comes the reply : “Indian artists are more talented than Pakistani artists. People can buy their music.” He added that the ban will be lifted when the time is right.

A city ghazal singer said, “I have no political agenda, but since the Pakistan government refuses to acknowledge anything, we are better off ignoring them.” Sahana Khatri, an ardent music lover believes that art has no boundaries and spreads love. “The MNS ban will stoke more hatred between the two countries.”