UK High Commission today said it will speak to Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, a day after his visa application was rejected.
"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," a British High Commission spokesperson said on refusal of visa to the internationally renowned musician.
The 70-year-old artiste, who was to perform at the Royal Festival Hall next month, had said that he was "shocked and appalled" at the rejection of his visa application.
Performing almost every year in #UK since the early 70s. Upset to have my visa rejected @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj
— Amjad Ali Khan (@AAKSarod) August 12, 2016
Tagging External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in his tweet, Mr Khan had written, "My UK visa rejected. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj."
"Shocked & appalled. #UK visa rejected. scheduled to perform at the #RoyalFestivalHall in Sep @HCI_London @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj @UKinIndia," he further wrote.
"Performing almost every year in #UK since the early 70s. Upset to have my visa rejected @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj," he added.
Expressing disappointment over the denial of the travel document, Mr Khan's son Amaan Ali Khan said, "This has never happened before...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."
INDIAN-ORIGIN BRITISH LAWMAKER SEEKS EXPLANATION FOR REFUSING VISA TO AMJAD ALI KHAN
Indian-origin British lawmaker Keith Vaz has sought an explanation from the UK Home Office over reports of refusal of visa to Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, saying the decision would "severely damage" Indo-UK relations.
"I am astonished at this news. Amjad Ali Khan is one of India's greatest living artists and I cannot believe that his visa has been refused. I have today written to the Home Office and asked for an explanation and for a reversal of the decision," said Vaz, the longest serving Indian-origin MP and Chairman of the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee.
"Relations between the UK and India can be severely damaged by this kind of action. I hope that this sorry state of affairs can be brought to a swift conclusion and I look forward to seeing Khan in the UK," Vaz said in his statement.
