Popular Bollywood singer Shibani Kashyap has distanced herself from a visa controversy involving a group of Indian nationals who travelled to New Zealand for a Holi celebration in Auckland, saying she had no role in organising visas or travel for any performers linked to the event.
In a video statement addressing the issue, Kashyap said she travelled to New Zealand independently as an invited artist and was not involved in arranging documentation for others associated with the celebrations.
“I travelled to New Zealand on my own as an invited artist, and I had no role whatsoever in arranging visas, travel or documentation for any performers or individuals who may have entered the country under the banner of these events.”
She added that any suggestion people were sent “on my name” without her knowledge was “deeply concerning”.
The statement follows confirmation from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) that several members of a visiting Holi performance group remain in the country after their visas expired.
According to INZ, visa applications were initially submitted for a group of 27 Indian nationals intending to travel to New Zealand as part of a group called “Community Holi Celebration with Shibani Kashyap”. Of those, 20 visas were approved.
Eighteen people ultimately entered New Zealand between 11 and 24 February for the Holi festival event, held at the Pukekohe Indian Association Centre. Immigration authorities said only three members of the group have since left the country.
INZ director of visas Jock Gilray said that of the remaining 15 individuals still in New Zealand, four currently hold valid visitor visas while 11 became unlawful after their short-term limited visas — issued specifically for the event — expired on 6 March.
“We are prioritising contact with those who are here unlawfully on a case-by-case basis,” Gilray said, adding that further details could not be provided for privacy reasons.
Immigration officials said concerns had been identified during the visa assessment process, including fraudulent documentation in some applications. Four visa applications were declined and three were withdrawn.
To mitigate risks, 13 short-term limited visas were issued specifically for the Holi event, while seven standard visitor visas were granted for one month.
Gilray said immigration authorities had verified the legitimacy of the event beforehand, including consulting with the Indian Consul-General in Auckland, who confirmed official support for the festival.
The Holi celebration was organised by the Pukekohe Indian Association, which is affiliated with the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA).
When contacted by The Indian Weekender, NZICA president Veer Khar said the association was unaware of visa applications linked to the group that had been flagged by immigration authorities for fraudulent documentation.
Photos and videos from the celebration appear to show Kashyap as the sole performer on stage despite references to a broader performance group.
In her statement, Kashyap said she supported New Zealand authorities investigating the matter and addressing any breaches of immigration law.
“I fully support the work being carried out by Immigration New Zealand and the Government of New Zealand to identify and address any immigration violations.”
She added that if anyone had misused cultural events or her name, authorities should take appropriate action.
Kashyap also acknowledged the role of the Indian Consulate in Auckland in promoting cultural exchange and said she remained committed to cooperating with authorities if required.
The singer has performed in New Zealand several times, including during a visit in 2025 for Indian Independence Day celebrations, and said her work had always aimed to celebrate culture and bring communities together.
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