Jago Times "English Edition" Best Online Newspaper
Related Articles
By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
California, USA: In the US state of California, the renowned Pakistani singer, Atif Aslam, graced the audience with the melodies of Ustad Nusrat Ali’s ghazal,
“ Soichta hoon kay wooh keetnay masoosm thay “
( leaving everyone pondering the innocence of the past and the transformations of the present.)
During his performance, a fan in the audience showered him with currency notes. In response, Atif Aslam paused his song and invited the generous fan onto the stage, encouraging them to use their wealth for a noble cause. He emphasized that wealth should be used with honor.
This incident prompted widespread discussions on social media. Many expressed their opinions, asserting that Atif Aslam, like other performers of Ustad Nusrat Fateh’s ghazals and qawwalis, should have embraced the tradition of accepting offerings during performances as part of the qawwali and ghazal culture. They argued that silence or at least a prepared approach to such situations would have been more appropriate.
Critics argued that Atif Aslam’s actions may have inadvertently disrespected the qawwali culture, despite his renowned status. However, the incident has triggered a substantial debate on social media. Those who voiced their dissatisfaction with his actions demand an apology, citing a disregard for the respect owed to the qawwali and ghazal culture.
Fans of Atif Aslam, on the other hand, defended him, suggesting that his act of stopping the music to address the fan was a show of humility. Some even praised him for symbolically taking the thread in his hand, reminiscent of the Hindu tradition.
Despite the controversy, this incident has sparked a meaningful discussion about respecting qawwali and ghazal culture, urging artists to appreciate the heritage of great singers like Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan rather than remix their works. The fan’s gesture was seen as a tribute to a teacher, and Atif Aslam’s actions were considered part of the beauty of ghazal and culture, for which he should be acknowledged.