Effects of the Pulwama violence are being seen every day at the moment, and it’s T-Series that has taken action now. The incredibly popular music label, has taken down videos featuring the music of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam from their YouTube channel. This decision has come after a demand to do the same from Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
In its typical brash style, MNS had threatened to take action against music companies who do not respond to their demand. Amey Khopkar, head of the MNS Chitrapat Sena told PTI, “We have verbally communicated to Indian music companies like T-Series, Sony Music, Venus, Tips Music etc. to not work with Pakistani singers. These companies should stop it immediately or we will take action in our own style.”
But it seems not all the videos from the two artists have suffered the same fate. Their older videos still remain on the T-Series channel, and in fact, Atif Aslam’s latest track Baarishein, has only been unlisted by the company. This means anyone who possesses a link to the video can still watch it on YouTube.
Image Credit: Times of India
The Pulwama attack, which took place on February 14, claimed the lives of 40 brave-heart soldiers. The responsibility of this attack was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist organization based in Pakistan. The neighbouring country is constantly under fire for sheltering and encouraging such organizations, which is what the main cause for the feeling of discord with Pakistani artists, is.
In 2016, after the Uri attack, MNS had issued similar threats to all Pakistani artists and performers, asking them to leave the country immediately. Recently, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also announced a ban on working with Pakistani artists following the Pulwama incident. And it’s also being reported that Salman Khan has removed Atif Aslam from his latest production, Notebook.
Like we said, it’s only the newer videos of Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan that have been taken down by T-Series. We wonder what the MNS has to say about this.
