Police cover sought for Ghulam Ali during Mumbai visit

The makers of Bollywood film “Ghar Vapsi” have demanded police protection for Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali, who will arrive here on Thursday for the movie’s music launch.

The film, directed by Suhaib Ilyasi of “India’s Most Wanted” fame, marks Ghulam Ali’s acting debut and he has also sung an Indian patriotic song for it.

“I will request the Mumbai police and the Maharashtra government to provide protection to Ghulam Ali saab during his stay in Mumbai. There is a threat to Ali saab by Shiv Sena. They did not allow him to perform in India last year,” Ilyasi told IANS.

Ghulam Ali’s concerts in Mumbai and Pune were called off in October last year after the Shiv Sena threatened to disrupt his live performance. Ilyasi is hopeful that the singer’s presence at his film’s music launch on Friday will be trouble-free.

“We hope Maharashtra government treats him as an important dignitary and we hope he has a safe stay in Mumbai,” Ilyasi said.

He said his film is “about the latest debate on intolerance”.

“Films are the reflection of our society and this film reflects about whatever is happening in our country,” added the filmmaker.

Inputs by IANS