Despite the fact that Pakistani performers have been forced to not perform in India, another local singer Javed Bashir, of Meekal Hasan Band has geared up to perform there.

Indian Express has reported that the lead vocalist of MHB has been invited by a NGO Routes2Roots to participate in the concert, titled 'Music for Peace’ on October 18 in Delhi.

A couple of days ago Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali and MKH faced severe opposition by right wing political party Shiv Sena leading to cancellations of their concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad respectively.

“This whole Ghulam Ali sahab incident really disappointed me, which is also why I have agreed to do this concert. I strongly believe that politics and art should not be merged. The response that my songs have received in India in the past has been more than overwhelming, which proves that people want to listen to good music. I am looking forward to my Delhi concert and hope that it happens without any glitches,” said Bashir in a telephone conversation from Mumbai.

However, he maintained that he would avoid any concert in Mumbai for now due to security reasons.

“Music has no religion and only artists can bring peace and harmony between the two countries. I have performed in Mumbai four times in the past 12 years, but now I think it’s not the right situation,” he said in an interview with IANS.

Bashir’s concert will be held at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi. The singer has lent his voice in popular Bollywood movies including Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Kahaani, and Cocktail.

Routes2Roots founder Rakesh Gupta said that the exchange of cross border talent will help in maintaining peace between the two countries.

“Art is always for art’s sake and it has only brought the two countries closer in the past. I will be going ahead with the concert on October 18,” said Gupta.