Canada-based Punjabi singer Shubhneet Singh, known by his stage name Shubh, is facing the heat over his alleged support for Khalistan. Outrage against Shubh has further increased in the wake of the most recent standoff between India and Canada over the latter's claim that India might be linked to the killing of separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar earlier in June.
The 26-year-old rapper, who has a massive fanbase in India and among diaspora across the world, stoked controversy earlier this year when he shared a distorted map if India, which omitted Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern states. Amid the outrage on social media, Shubh deleted the post captioned 'Pray for Punjab'. He then replaced it with a new one with the words written on a black background. According to reports, he shared the picture in April, when security forces were hunting for separatist leader Amritpal Singh.
As the already fraught India-Canada ties hit a fresh low over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations against India, consumer electronics brand boAt on Tuesday announced its decision to withdraw its sponsorship for the singer's upcoming event in India. Shubh was set to perform in Mumbai from September 23-25 onboard Cordelia Cruises. His concerts have also also been scheduled for Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Delhi.
"At boAt, while our commitment to the incredible music community runs deep, we are first and foremost a true Indian brand. Therefore, when we became aware of the remarks made by artist Shubh earlier this year, we chose to withdraw our sponsorship from the tour," the company said in a post on social media platform X.
Earlier, the BJP' youth wing, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha pulled down posters of the concert.
“There is no space for Khalistanis who are the enemy of integrity and unity of India. We won't let Canadian singer Shubh perform on the auspicious land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mumbai,” BJYM President Tajinder Singh Tiwana told ANI. The youth wing has also submitted a memorandum to the Mumbai Police Commissioner demanding strict action against Shubh and cancellation of all his performances
Meanwhile, cricketers including Virat Kohli, K.L. Rahul and Hardik Pandya have unfollowed the rapper on social media.
Shubh rose to mainstream in 2021 with his single 'We Rollin'. His 2022 single 'Baller' became his most streamed track of all time.