New Delhi: Singer Rahul Vaidya has refused a lucrative offer of ₹50 lakh to perform at a wedding set on July 5 in Antalya, Turkey, showing a courageous decision that prioritises patriotism before profit. He claims that he is not motivated by money but rather by a desire to support India under the current geopolitical climate of heated tensions with Pakistan.
In a candid interview with Bombay Times, Rahul Vaidya explained, “The offer was lucrative - they were paying me Rs 50 lakh. But I told them that no work, no money, and no fame can surpass the interest of the country. They even offered me more, but I made it clear that it wasn’t about the money. This issue is far more important than that. It’s not about me as an individual; it’s about the nation. And we have to stand by our nation.”
Refusing to Support a "Non-Loyal" Country
Rahul Vaidya voiced his unwillingness to travel or operate in a nation that he considers anti-India. The singer said, "I have no interest in going to a country that is an enemy of my country and does not respect it," he said, adding, "Anyone who goes against the interests of my country and countrymen will not be entertained."
The singer also criticized the trend of hosting a number of extravagant Indian weddings in Turkey, questioning the loyalty of a nation that benefits from Indian revenue. “Indians spend so much money in Turkey and give them enormous business by hosting weddings there. We give them revenue worth crores — and this is how they respond? How can we continue spending money in a country that isn’t even loyal to us? Anyone who is against my country is against me. It’s as simple as that,” he said.
ALSO READ: Rahul Vaidya Calls Virat Kohli’s Fans Bigger Jokers Than The Cricketer: 'Abusing My Wife, My Sister'