KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming Bollywood extravaganza Stars On Fire has come under fire from Netizens who deem the song-and-dance concert as an insensitive move considering the suffering of the Palestinian people in the devastating conflict in Gaza at the moment.
An entry on the Berita Harian Facebook account promoting the event, set to take place at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, here on Dec 1, saw over 1,000 comments with quite a number of irate messages denouncing the concert.
Maszlinda Mohd Isa TQ wrote: "Enough with the entertainment already. Please open your eyes and your hearts during times like these."
"No sensitivity. Having fun while the Muslim people in Palestine are sacrificing themselves to defend the Al-Aqsa Mosque," said Fatihah Maryam Husna.
Another Facebook user, Risfana Yushak, added: "The situation there is one of suffering and sadness. Enough with the entertainment."
Organised by Dembi Productions, Heart Art Entertainment and Yess Boss Groups, the Stars On Fire Kuala Lumpur Live In Concert is scheduled to feature award-winning Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan.
He will be joined by an ensemble of other popular Indian celebrities such as Prabhu Deva, Vaani Kapoor, Maliaka Arora, Sanya Malhotra, Aastha Gill, Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Xklusif managing director Puteri Alaina said that the timing was unfortunate.
"The situation in Palestine is very unfortunate and our hearts bleed for them.
"But we had been planning this event for quite some time now and were able to secure the date and venue before the conflict had erupted.
"The concert has to carry on as planned since it was quite an endeavour to get it off the ground in the first place," she said.
The Stars On Fire concert also marks Hrithik's return to Malaysia after eight years.