Canadian Punjabi singer Shubhneet Singh, popularly known as Shubh, has found himself embroiled in controversy just before his scheduled concert in Mumbai. The singer, known for his songs "Elevated," "OG," and "Cheques," recently posted a distorted map of India on his Instagram, omitting Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. This action has sparked outrage in India, particularly on social media platforms.
The Controversial Post
Shubh's troubles began when he shared a distorted map of India on his Instagram account. The map drew criticism for not including Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, leading many to accuse the singer of supporting separatist Khalistani elements. The timing of the post couldn't have been worse, as it occurred just before his scheduled India concert.
Concert Details
Shubh was slated to perform in Mumbai as part of the Cruise Control 4.0 event, organized aboard the Cordelia Cruise. The concert was scheduled to take place from September 23 to 25, but the controversy surrounding the singer has cast a shadow over the event.
Backlash and Opposition
In response to the controversial post, several users took to social media platforms to express their anger and urged the public not to attend Shubh's concert. Members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) tore down posters featuring the singer and accused him of supporting Khalistani separatist elements. They have submitted a memorandum to the Commissioner of Police in Mumbai, demanding strict action against the singer and the cancellation of his performances.
Unfollowing by Prominent Figures
The controversy has not been limited to social media users and political groups. Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, unfollowed the singer on Instagram. Kohli had previously praised Shubh for his songs via social media. Other cricketers, including KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, have also unfollowed Shubh. Additionally, headphone manufacturer boAt has decided to withdraw its sponsorship from Shubh's upcoming tour amid the controversy.
Upcoming Tour
Shubh's Mumbai concert is just one part of his extensive "Still Rollin India Tour," a three-month-long tour spanning 12 major Indian cities. This tour includes cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, New Delhi, and Mumbai, and it is scheduled to kick off in September 2023.
Broader Diplomatic Implications
The backlash against Shubh comes at a time when India-Canada diplomatic relations are strained. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused New Delhi of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. This diplomatic tension has resulted in reciprocal expulsions of diplomats from both countries, further complicating the situation.
Shubh's controversial social media post has led to significant backlash and opposition ahead of his Mumbai concert. The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding such issues and the potential impact on artists and their performances. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will affect Shubh's career and the outcome of his scheduled tour in India.
