New Delhi: Pakistani actor Mahira Khan can’t get over Bollywood star singer Arijit Singh’s humility after the latter acknowledged her presence at his Dubai concert. While the internet on both sides of the border is celebrating this bonding, some Pakistanis have expressed displeasure over their own artistes not showing up for the likes of Atif Aslam.
Reacting to Khan’s presence at Singh’s concert, a Pakistani Instagram user wrote: “It’s strange and weird to me that none of these celebs show up at Atif Aslam concert while I see familiar faces at Arijits or AP dhillon’s concert. I love arijits songs but I find it funny how big of a star atif aslam is and our artists do not show up at his concerts anymore.”
During his concert in Dubai, Singh, in a slightly embarrassing moment, failed to recognise Mahira Khan in the audience while singing her song Zaalima from the 2017 film Raees. However, he promptly apologised and expressed gratitude upon realising his oversight.
In the now-viral video shared by a Pakistani user on Twitter, Singh can be heard saying: “I didn’t want to disturb you, but I can’t resist. Everybody should know that you’re here”, he said, adding that he had been trying to recognise her and then realised that he had sung for her.
“You guys must be surprised, should I reveal? I should reveal it in a nice way. Can we have the camera there? I was trying to recognise this person, then remembered, I had sung for her. Ladies and gentlemen, Mahira Khan is sitting right in front of me. Think about it, I was singing her song Zaalima and it’s her song and she was singing and standing and I couldn’t recognise her. I am so sorry. Ma’am gratitude and thank you so much,” he added.
Pakistanis appreciate Arijit Singh’s gesture
Mahira was quick to appreciate the Bollywood singer’s gesture. In an Instagram post, she wrote: “I wasn’t meant to be here for this but I guess I was. You know what I mean? What a pleasure it is to watch an artist perform…whirling in joy, surrounded by love. But more than that, it’s beautiful when you see humility in an artist..because he knows, it isn’t him..he’s just been blessed from up above. Stay blessed @arijitsingh Wah! (sic). ”
If the two artistes were happy to see each other, the fans were ecstatic too. For one X user, it was a “life-is-complete wala moment”.
“Went to watch arijit singh and saw mahira khan too bohat hi life-is-complete wala moment ho gaya”, the user wrote.
For another user, this was proof that love and harmony will always prevail over hatred. Calling it a ‘heartwarming’ gesture, the user tweeted: “This is BEYOND heartwarming. Oh how sweet of #ArijitSingh !! There will always be moments like these between the good people of this world and no amount of hatred spread around can EVER take that away !
An Indian X user said this was an example of bridging gaps. “Arijit Singh’s gesture of recognition and introduction for Pakistani diva Mahira Khan at his Dubai concert is a beautiful example of bridging cultures and winning hearts through music!”, the user tweeted.
One user then wrote on Instagram: “All the top tier indian and pakistanis vibe together meanwhile people who are not even known to his mohalla hates their neighbour country.”
This is what Indo Pak respect is about. This is what Indo Pak friendship is about. Separated yet so Bonded, another user user commented below her post.