Mika takes a dig at Customs department

Composer and singer Mika Singh was released after eight hours of detention by the Mumbai customs for allegedly carrying currency beyond permissible limits.

Clarifying his side he said: "I had 10,000 dollars (USD Ten thousand) with me while returning to India after my international concert. According to the rules only 1,000 dollars per person are allowed. As normal procedure, while traveling internationally, we take Indian currency that we exchange for dollars and distribute a certain amount to each member of the band as traveling expense, so that incase they are stranded at the airport alone by chance, they should have appropriate amount of dollars to be able to take care of themselves, buy food, call home, buy woolens and stay in a hotel room in an emergency in a foreign land.''
He further added, "This amount, I usually distribute amongst the band players while traveling. But due to the hectic schedule the dollars stayed with me as I was unable to distribute it to the band after getting off at the airport.''
Mika even admits to filing up a form to declare extra currency. "The airport authorities were right in asking about it. We explained our side, showed them relevant receipts and paper work for the same. They asked us to follow certain procedures prescribed in their rule books for such cases and I did as I was asked to, as per the laws. Then everyone clicked pictures with me and I returned home."
Taking a dig at Rahat Fateh Ali Khan who was caught with huge amount of foriegn currency, Mika said, "It's a little embarrassing to be caught with only 10,000 dollars, if you must get caught, it should be like Rahat, with a large stash. Some time back I was made to pay 1.5 lakh for a watch that I had been wearing for ages! As per rules you do not put duty on used items, but someone there didn't allow it and instead of creating a scene I simply paid and walked off. It never made news."
Despite the detention and the headlines, Mika said, "I have performed at the Custom officials bash last year and I will sing for them again! Of course, when they approach you to perform for their big events they tell you to waive off your performance fee, which I have done, their families surround you for pictures. Then at the airport sometimes one odd official will try to look very strict and ask 'so what do you do, what song have you sung?' And I feel like asking him to play the video of the customs bash to perhaps get reminded of what songs I have sung! I don't run to the media to report small things. But yesterday someone wanted to speak to the press over a small procedural matter and that's alright too. One has to live with these things.''