‘Why do Pakistani Muslims bother us, but Dubai Muslims don’t?’ asks Mika Singh

Indian singer Mika Singh has questioned why some Indians view Pakistani Muslims negatively while having a favourable perception of Muslims in Dubai, while recalling his experiences in Pakistan and the warmth he received there, India Today reported.

Speaking to Times Now, the 50-year-old singer said he did not believe Pakistan or its people were inherently bad, recalling his visit to the country in 2019.

“Pakistan isn’t bad. The people of Pakistan aren’t bad at all. I just don’t know why, but for some reason, we seem to dislike Muslims from Pakistan. But we really like Muslims from Dubai. I’ve never understood that,” Mika said.

He also recalled seeing local Muslims helping maintain Sikh gurdwaras during his visit.

“When I went to Pakistan, many Muslims who are our brothers have served at the gurdwaras and helped with the cleaning,” he said.

Mika said Pakistan has a personal significance for him because several important Sikh religious sites, including Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Panja Sahib, are located there.

“For me, it is not about money. The first thought is that I can reach the gurdwara through this,” he said, explaining his decision to visit Pakistan after receiving an invitation to perform there.

The singer also defended Pakistani artistes performing in India and Indian artistes travelling to Pakistan for performances.

“I have no problem with Pakistani singers. When they come here, everyone stands up for them. Bollywood welcomes every Pakistani singer,” he said.

Mika said travelling to Pakistan for a private performance should not automatically be considered a political act.

“If you go there for a private function, perform, take your money and come back to India, that is different. You are not hiding when you go there. You are travelling by flight and the whole world can see it,” he said.

He also recalled that he travelled to Pakistan before the 2019 Uri attack and said he had obtained a visa and travelled openly.

Mika himself faced a professional backlash in India in 2019 after performing at a pre-wedding event in Karachi. The performance sparked criticism amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting the All India Cine Workers Association and Federation of Western India Cine Employees to announce a boycott.

The ban was later lifted after Mika apologised and said the performance had been a professional commitment arranged before the political developments surrounding the event.

Reflecting on his experience, Mika said he was pleased when Indian artistes received respect in Pakistan.

“If Pakistanis are giving me respect, we should be happy about it. At least there is someone who is going there and performing,” he said.