In a recent turn of events, Canadian Punjabi singer Shubhneet Singh, popularly known as Shubh, is facing opposition and controversy ahead of his scheduled concert in Mumbai. Members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) have torn down his posters and raised objections, alleging his support for separatist Khalistani elements.
Shubh had been slated to perform in Mumbai as part of the Cruise Control 4.0 event, organized aboard the Cordelia Cruise from September 23-25. However, the BJYM has accused the singer of showing support for Khalistanis and posting a distorted map of Kashmir.
Shubh, a rising sensation in the music industry, has garnered fame with songs like “Elevated,” “OG,” and “Cheaques,” earning him a fan base not only in India but worldwide. Even former Team India captain Virat Kohli was seen grooving to Shubh’s “Elevated” in a viral video, though he later unfollowed the singer on Instagram amidst the controversy. Cricketers KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya have also taken similar actions.
The controversy has arisen amidst Shubh’s ‘Still Rollin India Tour,’ a three-month-long tour spanning 12 major Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, New Delhi, and Mumbai.
The BJYM’s protests in Mumbai could potentially be mirrored in other cities, as a social media post by Shubh depicting a distorted map of India, omitting Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, has sparked outrage. Shubh had shared this image on his Instagram stories during a period when Punjab Police were searching for a fugitive named Amritpal Singh. Consequently, several of Shubh’s followers were arrested, leading to concerns raised by Akali Dal regarding the detention of innocent youths.
Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) President Tajinder Singh Tiwana expressed, “There is no space for Khalistanis, who are considered the enemy of the integrity and unity of India. We won’t allow Canadian singer Shubh to perform in the auspicious land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mumbai. If no proper action is taken, then the organizers will have to face our opposition.”
The BJYM has submitted a memorandum to the Commissioner of Police in Mumbai, demanding strict action against Shubhneet Singh and the cancellation of all his performances. They have also called for the registration of an FIR against the rapper.
The controversy surrounding Shubh’s Mumbai concert reflects the complex intersections of politics, culture, and music, highlighting the need for dialogue and understanding in today’s interconnected world. The situation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how it will unfold in the coming days.
