Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Mika Singh Questions Differing Views of Pakistani and Dubai Muslims
Singer Mika Singh spoke about his experiences in Pakistan on a podcast.
He said people there had treated him with respect, including Muslims who helped look after Sikh places of worship.
Mika wondered why some Indians view Pakistani Muslims differently from Muslims in Dubai.
He also said Pakistani singers should be able to perform in India.
In 2019, Mika performed at an event in Karachi and faced criticism.
Indian entertainment industry groups announced a boycott of his work.
The boycott was lifted later that month after he apologised.
On the Baatein Dil Se podcast, Mika Singh said Pakistan and its people are not inherently bad.
He recalled Muslims helping clean and maintain gurdwaras during his 2019 visit to Pakistan.
Mika questioned why Indians may view Pakistani Muslims negatively while viewing Muslims from Dubai positively.
He said he has no objection to Pakistani singers performing in India and described Bollywood as welcoming them.
After a 2019 performance in Karachi drew criticism, industry groups announced a boycott; it was lifted later that month after Mika apologised.
- Who
- Singer Mika Singh.
- What
- He discussed his experiences in Pakistan, perceptions of Pakistani Muslims, and Pakistani singers performing in India.
- When
- The podcast conversation was reported in the article; Mika discussed a 2019 Pakistan visit and a 2019 controversy.
- Where
- The conversation was on the Baatein Dil Se podcast; the recalled performance was in Karachi, Pakistan.
- Why
- Mika said he wanted to question differing perceptions of Pakistani and Dubai Muslims and expressed support for Pakistani singers performing in India.
Mika Singh's position
Criticism and industry response
Mika's 2019 performance in Pakistan
Mika Singh's position
Mika said the Karachi event was a professional commitment arranged well before developments surrounding Article 370, and that his presence there was coincidental.
Criticism and industry response
The performance drew criticism amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, and AICWA and FWICE announced a boycott of Mika's professional work.
Pakistani singers performing in India
Mika Singh's position
Mika said he has no issue with Pakistani singers performing in India and said Bollywood welcomes them.
Criticism and industry response
The article describes criticism and boycotts in the context of cross-border performances, but does not state a specific opposing view on Pakistani singers performing in India.
- Podcast
- Baatein Dil Se
- Visit discussed
- Mika recalled visiting Pakistan in 2019.
- Gurdwaras
- He said Muslims helped clean and maintain gurdwaras.
- Stance on Pakistani singers
- Mika said he has no problem with them performing in India.
- Karachi performance
- Mika performed at a pre-wedding celebration in Karachi in 2019.
- Industry response
- AICWA and FWICE announced a boycott, which was lifted later that month after Mika apologised.