Independence Day: Unruffled by film associations' ban, Mika Singh sends in wishes & hails PM Modi

Days after being banned by film association FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) and AICWA (All India Cine Workers Association), Mika Singh took to his Twitter handle to wish his fans on India's 73rd Independence Day.

READ | After AICWA, Mika Singh Banned By FWICE For Karachi Performance Terming It 'unpatriotic, Ghastly'

Saying that it is the 'first time that Kashmir to Kanyakumari' this special day is being celebrated, Mika Singh shared PM Narendra Modi's speech on social media. He also shared that on Independence Day, his NGO 'Let's Help Divine Touch' will be supporting ‘Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad’ to help those affected in the Maharashtra floods. Take a look -

MIKA SINGH'S PERFORMANCE IN PAKISTAN

Singer Mika Singh and his troupe at the wedding of a billionaire's daughter, apparently close to former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharaff, here has caused a furore, amid strained ties between the two countries.

On Monday, India revoked Article 370 of the Constitution and decided to bifurcate the State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, a move which drew a sharp reaction from Pakistan.They downgraded its diplomatic ties and snapped trade relations with India, besides suspending the Samjhauta Express services between the two countries.

According to a report in Daily Jang newspaper, Mika, 42, arrived in Karachi with his troupe to perform at the wedding ceremony of the influential billionaire's daughter who is said to be close to Musharraf. Mika reportedly performed on August 8 at the ceremony and his presence in the city came to light when some guests uploaded videos of his performance on social media.

READ | Mika Singh Banned And Boycotted By AICWA From Indian Film Industry After Performing At Event In Pakistan

Opposition leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party Syed Khursheed Shah said the government must find out who gave the security clearance and visas to the Indian singer and his 14-member troupe to visit Pakistan at a time when the country had suspended diplomatic and trade relations with India. "This is a time when there is a ban on Indian films, dramas, shows, and Pakistan has made its views clear to the Indian government. Even if visas were issued early on they should have been cancelled," Shah said.

The newspaper reported that apparently the groom was a big fan of Mika and wanted to see a live performance and to grant his wish the in-laws used their connections to procure high-level security clearance and visas for the Indian band. Mika apparently charged USD 150,000 for his performance.

(With inputs from PTI)