Indo-Canadian singer and musician Amritpal Singh Dhillon, professionally known as AP Dhillon, has spoken out on social media about the recent controversy surrounding fellow Punjabi artist Shubhneet Singh, popularly known as Shubh. Shubh’s scheduled tour in India was canceled due to allegations of his support for the Khalistan issue, following his sharing of a distorted map of India on Instagram that omitted the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and the Northeastern states.
In response to the ongoing situation, AP Dhillon took to Instagram Story to share his thoughts and encourage a message of love and unity. He expressed his decision to stay away from social media, explaining that regardless of his actions or words, the current social climate tends to twist narratives and fuel divisions.
Dhillon stated, “I try to stay out of all the social mania as it is clear to me that regardless of what I say or do, it is a lost cause… someone, somewhere is going to spin the narrative to their liking and create more division. As an artist, it has become almost impossible to stay focused on your craft and do what you love.”
He went on to highlight how artists like himself often find their public image used as a pawn by special interest groups and political entities, all while they aim to create art that transcends barriers and benefits individuals regardless of their backgrounds.
AP Dhillon called upon people to focus on promoting love, peace, and unity while avoiding getting swayed by “man-made social constructs” that contribute to division.
The controversy surrounding Shubh took a significant turn when ticket booking platform BookMyShow announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Shubh’s show had been canceled. The platform also confirmed that it would refund the ticket amount to all consumers who had purchased tickets for the event. In addition, electronics brand boat withdrew its sponsorship from Shubh’s India tour, further complicating the situation.
The controversy surrounding Shubh’s tour cancellation is part of a broader diplomatic dispute between India and Canada related to the Khalistan issue. This dispute led to an escalation in tensions, resulting in both countries expelling senior diplomats. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that New Delhi was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia earlier in the year, a claim that India promptly dismissed as unfounded.
AP Dhillon’s call for love and unity in the face of such controversies underscores the significance of art as a unifying force that transcends borders and divisions.
Sources By Agencies
