A day after Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was shockingly denied a visa by Britain, the UK high commission on Saturday said it would speak to the renowned musician “about how he should apply for t
A day after Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was shockingly denied a visa by Britain, the UK high commission on Saturday said it would speak to the renowned musician “about how he should apply for the correct type of visa to do what he wishes to do in the UK”, thereby implying that the maestro had applied for the wrong type of visa. The Sarod maestro had on Friday tweeted that he is scheduled to perform at the Royal Festival Hall in September.
In a statement, the British high commission spokesperson said, “We don’t comment on the detail of individual cases, but can confirm we will offer to speak to Mr Khan about how he should apply for the correct type of visa to do what he wishes to do in the UK.”
In a series of tweets earlier , the maestro had said, “Shocked & appalled. #UK visa rejected. scheduled to perform at the Royal Festival Hall in September. My UK visa rejected. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace. Performing almost every year in #UK since the early 70s. Upset to have my visa rejected.”
The UK home office, in London, without giving specific details, reportedly said visas are declined due to incomplete information.” All visa applications are carefully considered on their individual merits and applicants must provide evidence to show they meet the requirements of the immigration rules,” a British home office statement from London was quoted by news agencies as stating.
The maestro’s son was quoted by TV reports as saying on Friday that they were told the visa application wasn’t convincing enough.
The British high commission in New Delhi had initially refused to comment on the matter on Friday, with top British diplomatic sources saying they “can’t comment on individual visas”.
Expressing disappointment over the UK denial, the maestro’s son Amaan Ali was quoted by news agencies, as saying, “This has never happened before. In our country this is not cool. It is very sad that it has happened to him. He is someone who has worked all his life for the country and peace. The government should take interest why they (UK) are doing this.” Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is one of India’s most respected musicians and an icon. Curiously, the MEA in New Delhi till Saturday evening had not yet responded officially on the matter.
