UK denies visa to Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan, MEA approached

New Delhi: In a snub to Indian Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, the United Kingdom on Friday rejected his Visa application.The maestro has approached External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for necessary assistance.

Khan was to perform in U K in a reflection of his decades-long career as one of the icons of the Sarod on September 17.

He was also scheduled to participate in a double-bill concert along with Indian classical vocalist Shubha Mudgal on September 18.

Shocked & appalled. #UK visa rejected. scheduled to perform at the #RoyalFestivalHall in Sep @HCI_London @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj @UKinIndia

— Amjad Ali Khan (@AAKSarod) August 12, 2016

My UK visa rejected. Extremely sad for artists who are spreading the message of love & peace @HCI_London @MEAIndia @UKinIndia @SushmaSwaraj

— Amjad Ali Khan (@AAKSarod) August 12, 2016

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

Khan took to twitter to express his shock and was downhearted with the visa denial. He, in his tweet, tagged Union Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and concerned officials of London.

Earlier, in the day, Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan was detained at the Los Angeles Airport by the United States Immigration Department.

It may be mentioned that Khan lost his Sarod while on his way to India in the British Airways Flight in 2014. The Sarod was returned to him after few days. He had been playing this since 45 years.