Rapper and producer AP Dhillon has released a statement in the wake of the ongoing turmoil between India and Canada over Khalistani elements. Dhillon's response comes a day after Punjabi-Canadian rapper Shubh's India concert was cancelled over his alleged support for Khalistan.
In a long note shared on Instagram Stories, Dhillon said that it has become impossible for artists to stay focused on art. He wrote: “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.”
Dhillon, a rapper-singer with a huge fan following, said that he always tries to be mindful of people's sentiments, but now he is forced to 'second-guess' or 'triple-guess' every move in the fear of “unintentionally fuelling even more division”.
“Special interest and political groups constantly use our public image as a chess piece to further their agenda while we are just trying to make art that helps people on an individual level, regardless of their color, race, religion, nationality, gender, etc.”
Dhillon urged people to think for themselves and not let hateful influences programme their beliefs. “Spread love not hate. Let’s start thinking for ourselves and not let hateful influences program our beliefs. We are ALL one. Let’s not let man-made social constructs divide us. Division has gotten us to this point but unity is the key to the future,” Dhillon concluded.
Shubh's concert was cancelled by organisers due to massive protests against one of his earlier social media posts in which he shared a distorted map of India. Disheartened by the development, the rapper also took to social media to share a lengthy statement.
“Preparations were in full swing and I was practicing my heart and soul for the last two months,” he wrote. Further clarifying the social media post that has come under fire, he stated, “My intention in resharing that post on my story was only to Pray For Punjab as there were reports of electricity and internet shutdowns throughout the state. There was no other thought behind it.”
