MUMBAI: After the cancellation of Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali's concert following threats from Shiv Sena, veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and Pakistan's Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) chairman Fakhr-e-Alam have criticised the move.

Commenting on the situation, Bhatt added, “It's a familiar nightmare that keeps on recurring in this part of our country and one has seen it irrespective of the government in the seat of power, the peace activists of the civil society aiming for keeping cultural ties intact with Pakistan have to face roadblocks like this.”

The filmmaker, who has given a sample of his work to the neighbouring country with a play based on his 1989 film ‘Daddy’ staged in Pakistan earlier this year, noted that despite Prime Minster Narendra Modi's effort to bridge the gap between countries, nothing seems to have changed. During Congress regime, Ali had faced the same situation.

Apart from Bhatt, Fakhr-e-Alam has expressed his disappointment and hoped that "the Indian government will act responsibly". He added, “I hope Indian government will act responsibly and the world's largest secular democracy will raise itself above people's dietary choices.”

Fakhr-e-Alam, who himself is a singer and actor, also said that “such primitive mindsets will keep progress as a hostage”.

The 75-year-old singer was scheduled to perform in Mumbai and Pune this week as part of the fourth death anniversary tribute to late singer Jagjit Singh. But the performance was called off on Wednesday after Shiv Sena threatened to disrupt his live concert.

However, Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra on 8 October extended an invite to Ali to perform in the capital.

Ali, who made an entry in Indian cinema with his popular song ‘Chupke Chupke Raat Din’ for B.R. Chopra's ‘Nikaah’, also said that he is hurt and sad.