New Delhi: Who didn’t like watching Pakistan’s Mallika-e-tarannum Noor Jehan’s performances back in the day? The answer to that apparently is Junoon popstar Ali Azmat during his childhood. He found her a bore to watch on Pakistan TV. Pakistanis reacted with so much anger that Azmat was forced to release a five-minute video Friday expressing his respect for Noor Jehan.
But what he said about the singer earlier upset not only Noor Jehan fans but also Junoon fans.
“Our own society and culture weren’t really offering anything similar. You put on a show, you would see Noor Jehan draped in a saree, with heavy jewellery and over-the-top makeup. We would get irritated by mai (elderly woman). We would think, ‘Why would they make us watch this kofta (meatball)?’” Azmat said while describing his childhood and the ‘cultural invasion of MTV’ in Pakistan during a discussion posted on the YouTube channel Vakeel Online in late September.
Being a Junoon fan, i am embarrassed… pic.twitter.com/qt36TzE7Ye
— فاطمہ عرفان (@fatimairrfan) October 19, 2021
Another channel called The Current re-posted these remarks a few days ago under the headline “Ali Azmat’s shocking views”.
“In an interview given to a legal online portal in Pakistan, Pakistani pop star Ali Azmat shares some shocking, sexist views on women, society and Pakistani culture. Just today, a survey revealed that almost 80 percent of women don’t feel safe in Pakistan. Are you surprised?” the video description says.
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Noor Jehan’s grandson and Junoon fans speak out
The criticism of Ali Azmat was widespread, including from his own fans.
“Between Ali Azmat and Noor Jehan, I think it’s easy to say who looks more like a Kofta,” another user said.
“Gutted!! Not only this comment but the whole show was painfull to watch..Heartbreaking when u have been a die hard fan of Junoon & Ali Azmat. When u have begged n borrowed money from parents n friends to attend his concerts,” user Shahzad Iqbal tweeted.
Gutted!! Not only this comment but the whole show was painfull to watch..Heartbreaking when u have been a die hard fan of Junoon & Ali Azmat. When u have begged n borrowed money from parents n friends to attend his concerts. pic.twitter.com/nGyZcN1WwI
— Shahzad Iqbal (@ShahzadIqbalGEO) October 19, 2021
Actor, comedian and Noor Jehan’s grandson Ahmed Ali Butt also hit out at Azmat for his remarks.
“I have always respected Ali Azmat as an artist and as a friend. He is one of Pakistan’s biggest rock star, his outspoken attitude has always been his trademark but his recent remarks over Noor Jehan, were just in bad taste especially when that person is no longer alive,” Butt said in an Instagram post.
A few did avoid calling out Azmat for his remarks, and defended his right to his own opinion.
“What’s the outrage? I am a huge Noor Jehan fan but why should I expect anyone to conform to my views? People should be allowed to have as outrageous views on her or anyone as possible,” a user said.
What’s the outrage? I am a huge Noor Jehan fan but why should I expect anyone to conform to my views? People should be allowed to have as outrageous views on her or anyone as possible. Or for that matter anyone. https://t.co/57G3shzKSG
— ali (@aalimalik) October 21, 2021
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Not new to controversy
Ali Azmat responded to the criticism and labels of misogyny Friday by posting a five-minute long video statement on his social media accounts.
“My respect, admiration and love for Madam and her family does not need any validation from people who edit old videos to create controversies,” Azmat said, adding that his remarks were taken out of context.
This is far from the first time the Junoon frontman has been outspoken or ruffled feathers with his opinions.
In early 2020, Azmat hit out at actor and singer Ali Zafar and others for what he viewed as a botched organisation of the opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League.
His harsh remarks then prompted a response video from Zafar and another week of back-and-forth between the two singers.