Ghulam Ali's performance cancelled, fans disappointed

Patna, Dec 6 (IANS) Hundreds of fans of Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali were sorely disappointed after his performance at the Rajgir festival in Bihar was cancelled following the terror attack in Mumbai and the souring of India-Pakistan relations, an official said.

Ghulam Ali was scheduled to perform at the inaugural session of the two day Rajgir festival beginning Dec 6. But now another Ghazal singer Talat Aziz will perform in his place.

'A large number of his fans were upbeat and booked seats for the festival to listen and enjoy. But news of cancellation of his programme at the last minute came as a set back for many across the state,' said a state culture department official.

Another official said that the cancellation of Ali?s programme was result of a 'diplomatic problem' between India and Pakistan following terror attacks in Mumbai.

Ali reportedly informed the officials of the festival that he would not be able to perform due to 'visa problem'.

'Ali told us over telephone that it was his bad luck that he could not perform at the Rajgir festival but he was hopeful for next time,' a government official associated with the festival told IANS here.

'The government of Pakistan had advised Ali not to visit India for security reasons,' the official also said.

The Rajgir festival was being organised on the lines of the famous Khajuraho festival of Madhya Pradesh and Konark festival of Orissa.