Dubai: Pakistani singing sensation Atif Aslam usually has the crowd awestruck with his voice but this was not the case at a recently held Pakistan Day parade in New York City where the star performed.
Some people weren’t amused and thought that it was highly inappropriate for the artist to sing his Bollywood hits at the patriotic-themed concert.
Specifically, Aslam received flak for singing his hit song “Tera Hone Laga Hoon” from the Bollywood movie “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani”.
A few reports suggest that concertgoers expressed their displeasure at the venue itself and left midway.
Now, netizens have taken to online platforms to voice their opinions on the matter.
Some like Twitter user @sakhwa were offended: “…Atif Aslam sang Indian songs on Pakistani Independence Day show. Is he mad or what?” In a separate tweet she wrote: “Zero respect for Atif Aslam!”
While others thought that there was no issue with his performance. Tweep @Rafaz_aadeez posted: “Let me tell you he didn’t sing any patriotic song of India. He has sung some romantic songs. I can’t understand, what’s the problem with that?”
Twitter user @Faisal_kp1 thought that the artist should be forgiven: “Atif aslam was participating in a Jashna-e-Azadi #Concert in New York. He supposed to sing Pakistan’s National songs but he sung a #Indian song. Pakistani community boycotted his concert. I think he made a mistake so let’s forgive him instead declaring him a #GHADAR [traitor].”
Atif aslam was participating in a Jishna e Azadi #concert in New York. He supposed to sing Pakistans National songs but He sung an #Indian song. Pakistani community boycotted his concert. I think He made a Mistake so let's forgive him instead declaring him a #GHADAR
— Faisal Shah (@Faisal_kp1) August 7, 2018
And Indian Twitter user @Mayur33418508 thought that the singer needs to be appreciated for his talent: “People who are trolling him badly for singing Indian songs on Pak Day celebration. Really hats off to your mentality. There is nothing like Indian or Pakistani songs. Songs are songs and his fans enjoy it. Love from India. @itsaadee”
Pakistani celebrities also joined the online conversation. Singer Shafqat Amanat Ali @ShafqatAmanatA defended Aslam and tweeted: “I stand in support with @itsaadee for singing his songs at the parade. Music is not Indian or Pakistani. It is just music! Singers are synonymous with their songs which are loved equally by fans from every country. Should have briefed him if they wanted national songs. #AtifAslam”
I stand in support with @itsaadee for singing his songs at the parade. Music is not Indian or Pakistani. It is just music! Singers r synonymous with their songs which r loved equally by fans from every country. Should have briefed him if they wanted national songs #AtifAslam
— Shafqat Amanat Ali (@ShafqatAmanatA) August 7, 2018
