Maestro Amjad Ali Khan, one of the greatest Sarod players across the world who is slated to play at London's prestigious Royal Festival Hall in September, was denied visa by the British government. The incident happened just hours after actor Shah Rukh Khan was detained at Los Angeles airport by the US immigration.
He tweeted, "Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace." Upset with the rejection, Khan said, "As compared to earlier, it's happening more now. The moment you are Khan or Ali, these issues come up. I haven't been given a reason for the rejection. There never is. But a lot, I think, has to do with the current situation in the world. May be they are considering world peace, harmony and disharmony matters. In these, they've also forgotten that I am an artiste, who will be there as a messenger of peace."
A spokesperson from the Southbank Centre said the rejection came due to a recent change in visa guidelines and said it was working closely with the Indian High Commission in London to find a solution.
