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Artist who painted map posted by Shubh blames Kangana Ranaut for Khalistani twist to it

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Dristi Sharma
Dristi SharmaSep 22, 2023 | 12:26

Artist who painted map posted by Shubh blames Kangana Ranaut for Khalistani twist to it

Shubh's tour was later cancelled by the event organisers, Bookmyshow on September 20. Photo: dailyO

Canada-based Punjabi singer Shubhneet Singh, also known as Shubh, finally opened up about his feelings regarding the cancellation of his India tour due to the backlash he received for posting a distorted map of India. The artist who created that distorted map, meanwhile, blamed Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut for giving it a 'Khalistani twist'.

What

A lot of things unravelled in the past three days, which led to the cancellation of Shubh's Still Rollin tour in India. The cancellation of the concerts comes at a time when diplomatic tensions between India and Canada are heightened due to Ottawa accusing New Delhi of having a hand in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 

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Now, Shubh got on Instagram to talk about his cancelled tour in India, saying that he was "extremely disheartened" by the tour being called off, and that he was "highly amped up and enthusiastic" to perform in his home country.

"I'm extremely disheartened by the cancellation of my tour in India. I was highly amped up and enthusiastic to perform in my country, in front of my people. The preparations were in full swing and I was practicing with my heart and soul for the last two months. And I was very excited, happy, and ready to perform. But I guess destiny had some other plans."
- Shubh on Instagram

He further added he is an Indian too, and his only intent of sharing the post was to pray for Punjab and the electricity and internet cuts.

See the post here: 

Creator of the map blames Kangana Ranaut for adding the 'Khalistani twist'

This distorted map was actually painted by Punjabi artist Amandeep Singh, who goes by the username @Inkquisitive on X. Two days ago (September 20), when Shubh was getting trolled, the painter spoke out in support of his 'brother'. 

Singh said he posted the painting on March 21, 2023, and that his entire motive was to "highlight the blackout in panjab".

"I painted a piece titled "panjab' and released this on march 21. It's entirety was to highlight the "blackout in panjab" and just that, showcasing a policeman taking the switch out of the panjab region (due to the blackout)."
- @Inkquisitive on X

He added, "Much of a nation had to cancel shubh's tour, changed the complete narrative of my artwork and all this because of a simple share as a means of one man wanting to express his stand for panjab (sic)."

He stated that it was not his intention, and that the entire narrative of the painting was given a 'Khalistani twist' by Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut. 

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Here's the painting

Photo: Screenshot of Shub's story

ICYMI, here's a quick brief of what's going on

  • When Punjab Police was hunting for Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh, Shubh shared a distorted map of India, omitting Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and the northeastern states.  
  • Now, months later, he is facing severe backlash from India, right ahead of his (now-cancelled) India concert. 
  • For instance, several members of BJYM (Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha) also tore down Shubh’s posters for the concert in Mumbai, and a memorandum was submitted to the Commissioner of Police in Mumbai. 
  • Shubh's tour was later cancelled by the event organisers, and ticketing platform BookMyShow said that they would refund all ticket holders.
  • Earlier, headphone company boAt also withdrew their sponsorship from the tour. 
Last updated: September 22, 2023 | 12:38
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