Mika fights with journalist when questioned over his Pakistan performance
What's the story
On Wednesday, singer Mika Singh got engaged in a verbal duel with a journalist who raised questions on his performance in Pakistan, earlier this month.
Mika's performance at the wedding of former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's relative got him banned by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).
However, after he apologized to FWICE's officials, the ban was lifted.
Here's what went down.
Background
Understanding why Mika's performance made many angry
Mika went to Karachi at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan peaked after New Delhi revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
He performed on August 8, thereby infuriating people on both sides of the border.
His performance, which apparently guests at the wedding weren't supposed to film, happened at the groom's wish.
Later, FWICE banned him.
Decision
However, the ban has now been revoked
Now, much to Mika's relief, FWICE recalled its circular on Wednesday.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, the chief adviser to the film body, said, "We were in shock that Mika performed in Pakistan and at a time when India is bleeding due to Pakistan, such an approach on part of Indian artists is not acceptable. We are taking back the circular to ban Mika Singh."
Apology
Accept that timing was wrong, said Mika
Apologizing for his performance, Mika said he knows the timing was wrong.
"This was a commitment signed long back. The timing was wrong that I went there as the decision on Article 370 has just been taken. I called the federation and told that this was by mistake. I apologize for the mistake," the singer, who has several chartbusters to his credit, said.
Details
Went only after government issued a visa: Mika
However, Mika seemed irritated at the press meet which was called to give him the good news.
When a journalist asked why he went to Pakistan, he replied, "I went there only when the government issued the visa."
Not stopping at that, a visibly annoyed Mika told the journalist that attempts are being made to tarnish his image and gain publicity.
Quote
Mika reminded other artists have performed in Pakistan too
"Nobody raises a voice when other artists perform. Two months ago, singers Neha Kakkar and Atif Aslam performed in Pakistan. Why did not you say anything then? Before that, Sonu Nigam and Atif also performed," Mika went on.
Twitter Post
"Jai Hind," said Mika after ban was lifted
Hey guys I’m very happy to announce that After meeting the #FWICE officials They have revoked the ban . I’m grateful to all .. Jai hind ... pic.twitter.com/b1sci3jEPi
— King Mika Singh (@MikaSingh) August 21, 2019
Video
After returning from Pakistan, Mika shouted "Bharat Mata Ki Jai"
Meanwhile, a few days ago, Mika had shouted "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" at Attari-Wagah border in what looked like a declaration of his love for the nation.
He put up the show on his return from Pakistan and also shared the video on social media.
However, Indian social media remained unimpressed and asked Mika "what was the use of his antics".
Twitter Post
Thank you for the warm welcome: Mika
Bharat Mata ki Jai! Thank you everyone for such a warm welcome. Happy Independence Day once again and salute to our jawans. They aren’t able to celebrate any festival, all to make our lives better. Jai hind.. pic.twitter.com/cY7lQx7VUw
— King Mika Singh (@MikaSingh) August 15, 2019