Defying Shiv Sena: Mahesh Bhatt ropes in Ghulam Ali for play

After Shiv Sena activists threw ink on the face of Sudheendra Kulkarni, a top Indian politician and columnist, Mahesh Bhatt was the first to renounce their act and criticise their decision. Now as well, Mahesh Bhatt has decided to rope in Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali for his theatre play titled ‘Milne Do’.

“He (Ghulam Ali) has been approached and he has gracefully agreed to lend his voice and be a part of the peace endeavour through performing arts. I can’t say whether he will come to India or not, but he will certainly sing a song which will be a part of the play,” said Mahesh Bhatt.

Ghulam Ali and Mahesh Bhatt have previously collaborated as well, since his 1990 film Awaargi also featured a song from him. Mahesh Bhatt was of the view that Ghulam Ali’s concerts being cancelled was not a good sign and that it was time to concede that the treatment meted out to the star was not a very good one.

“Ghulam Ali sahab, a world icon, has been a ghazal king for years and has been coming to our country for many years. He had an unpleasant experience here in India and we personally, the government — both in Maharashtra and at the Centre — have without any hesitation conceded that was not the right kind of treatment.”

Mahesh Bhatt had also taken his stage production to Karachi, and also flew into Lahore at the premiere of Pakistani film Jawani Phir Nahi Aani. Earlier, Humayun Saeed was also roped in by Mahesh Bhatt to star in his movie Dushman.

Will Mahesh Bhatt also earn the ire of Shiv Sena in the coming days, for his willingness to collaborate with the Pakistani artist?