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Indian singer Rahul Vaidya revealed he turned down a 5 million Indian rupees (approximately $58,458) offer to perform at a wedding in Türkiye’s coastal city of Antalya, citing national interest amid growing calls in India to boycott Türkiye over its support for Pakistan.
Speaking to the Times of India, Vaidya said: “The offer was lucrative —5 million Indian rupees. But I told them no work, no money, and no fame is bigger than the interest of the country. They even offered me more, but it wasn’t about the money.”
“Indians spend so much money in Turkey and give them enormous business. We provide them with crores in revenue, and this is how they respond?” he added, urging Indians to rethink supporting a country he believes opposes Indian interests..
Vaidya’s decision comes amid growing backlash in India following Türkiye’s vocal support for Pakistan after India’s Operation Sindoor — a series of airstrikes launched on May 6 in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26.
India claimed it struck nine militant targets across the border, including in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir. Pakistan responded by accusing India of targeting civilian areas, resulting in 31 deaths and 57 injuries. Islamabad also claimed to have downed five Indian fighter jets and 25 Harop drones. New Delhi has not confirmed any aircraft losses.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mission as a “moment of pride,” while Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes and warned India would “suffer the consequences.”
Türkiye’s public support for Pakistan during the conflict has drawn sharp criticism from Indian political figures. Sharif thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying: “My dear brother, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's strong support and unwavering solidarity with Pakistan has deeply moved me.”
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India has since revoked the security clearance of Türkiye-based Celebi Aviation, which handles about 70% of ground operations at Mumbai Airport, citing national security concerns. The move followed public outcry and pressure from Shiv Sena, a Hindu nationalist party based in Maharashtra.
“Türkiye is helping Pakistan. How can we allow their companies to profit here?” said party leader Murji Patel, who also confirmed that Shiv Sena raised the issue with the Mumbai Police Commissioner and plans to block Turkish firms from future tenders in Maharashtra.
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