Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; December 31, 2016)

It is the last day of the year, and usually the busiest for Bollywood musicians. But, Kailash Kher won’t perform at any NYE concert tonight. The singer had to call off a show at the last minute on Narendra Modi’s request — the Prime Minister wanted him to travel to Lucknow and be part of a digital campaign.

Says Kher, “I was supposed to perform at a private event tonight, but I cancelled it after receiving a call from the Prime Minister’s office. They told me that Modi ji wants me to be part of a digital campaign being run by the NITI (National Institution for Transforming India), Government of India, in Lucknow today. I had to cancel all my professional commitments, but have no regrets.”

Kher is one of the navratnas (nine popular personalities nominated by PM Modi) for the Swachh Bharat Mission in Uttar Pradesh. “I respect the steps being taken by him and feel honoured to contribute towards the implementation of so many welfare schemes,” he adds.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh and other dignitaries will also attend the event. The singer will address the audience and give away some awards.