Aditya Gadhvi distances himself from call for non-Hindus to leave his garba show

Gujarati folk singer Aditya Gadhvi has said he had nothing to do with an announcement at his Navratri show that told Muslims and other non-Hindus to leave the venue.

The words came from anchor Akash Trivedi, speaking from the stage during the Rang Morla ft. Aditya Gadhvi programme at Savvana Party Plot. Trivedi pointed to Vishva Hindu Parishad members at the ground, asked non-Hindus to exit, and read out a number people could call to report anyone they found suspicious. A video of the moment soon spread online.

Gadhvi, who shot to fame with the Coke Studio song Khalasi, answered on Instagram. "What happened at the event was not my doing, and it was not my message," he wrote. He said a group had taken control of the backstage area and used his platform for a message he would never support. Neither his team nor the anchor had been consulted, he added.

The singer also spoke about what garba stands for. "Garba has never asked anyone for their surname," he wrote, recalling how people of every faith have danced it side by side for generations. Anyone who comes with love and respect for Maa Ambe, he said, is welcome in his circle.

Hitendrasinh Rajput, spokesperson for the VHP in Gujarat, defended the move. He said Bajrang Dal volunteers had asked the organisers to keep non-Hindus from entering, and the announcement from the stage followed.