Atif Aslam criticised for singing Indian song at Independence Day parade in New York

Shafqat Amanat Ali and many fans backed the singer stating that music transcends borders

Atif Aslam is no stranger to the limelight. The Aadat vocalist has not only taken Pakistani music to new heights but lent his voice to many Bollywood songs as well, making the country proud.

Ban Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for being Pakistanis, says Bollywood singer

However, at an Independence Day Parade held in New York earlier this week, Atif sang one of his Indian tracks: Tera Hone Laga Hoon from the 2009 film Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani starring Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif.

This left some Atif fans disappointed, stating that he should not have performed Indian songs at a Pakistani parade.

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SCREENGRAB

https://twitter.com/Nimrah788/status/1027261111773614088

https://twitter.com/f4_funny/status/1027099504120610816

#AtifAslam shame on you man

— Sheeraz Hanif Gul (@Sheeraz_Hanif) August 7, 2018

https://twitter.com/sanianaqvi_11/status/1026920310027763712

However, much like the popular saying, "Love trumps hate," most of the singer's fans came to defend him.

https://twitter.com/itsabdullah77/status/1026896878661763072

https://twitter.com/AhmadFerzeen/status/1027070710475382784

https://twitter.com/hamidayesha241/status/1026906267917475841

#Atifaslam is the most patriotic guy from pakistan.....Shame on media for trolling this fake news and the people who think that music has boundaries are simply useless...I am proud to be #Aadeez
and i will love him until my last breath💖💖💖

— Aman Karki (@itsaman27) August 7, 2018

It is okay if @itsaadee sings any of his songs in any of his event. Who are we to judge his patriotism? He has sung many songs for Army and Airforce, no one remembers that but yeah of course one song and he becomes anti-Pak. Applause for this mindset 👏🏻#AtifAslam #ProudPakistan

— Occasional Ranter (@noonofyourlife) August 8, 2018

Idk what kind of maniacs are criticising Atif for singing an Indian song at an Independence Parade.. I mean in the end he’s the one who sung those song.. art is art and music is music... its not pakistani or indian.. Think Big Pakistanis #AtifAslam

— Laiba Ejaz (@laibaejaz1) August 8, 2018

https://twitter.com/Hi9aWahid/status/1027165724832419841

One attendee of the concert shared her experience.

1) I attended the NYC Pakistan Day Parade, all the people having on #AtifAslam get a life please. NO one left, everyone was swooning along to every song he sang. Indians & Bengalis attended the event too. He’s gain immense popularity & love from India.

— Nayaab Khan (@nayaabkay) August 7, 2018

2)The “Indian” songs he sang were in his voice were they not? So how can people claim they’re a product of India only? Fact is, it’s Atif’s voice so automatically the song has a Pakistani contribution to it. #AtifAslam

— Nayaab Khan (@nayaabkay) August 7, 2018

3) Every person in the crowd was enjoying every second of Atif’s performance. Also, it was CRAZY hot, the sun was blazing, Atif was drenched in sweat, red in the face but he kept entertaining everyone that came out. #AtifAslam

— Nayaab Khan (@nayaabkay) August 7, 2018

4) the NYC Pakistan Day parade has slowly declined over the years, the sponsors KNOW Atif is an international star which is why they invited him. Again, Pakistanis, Indians and Bengalis were in attendance. #AtifAslam

— Nayaab Khan (@nayaabkay) August 7, 2018

5)If as Pakistanis this is how we want the world to perceive us than shame on us. We should rejoice in our cultural similarities, move away from the hate and enjoy the entertainment our singers/actors etc. work so hard to give us. #AtifAslam

— Nayaab Khan (@nayaabkay) August 7, 2018

6) I’ve attended the NYC Pakistan Day Parade for practically my whole life. Never before was a crowd so energized & packed. Thank you for such a great day, & I’m sorry you’re dealing with horrible minded jerks who have nothing better to do than spread hate. #IStandWithAtifAslam

— Nayaab Khan (@nayaabkay) August 7, 2018

7) I’ve never enjoyed a concert more than the NYC Pakistan Day Parade BECAUSE of Atif Aslam’s AMAZING performances. @itsaadee - thank you my brother. Ignore the ignorant, please.

— Nayaab Khan (@nayaabkay) August 7, 2018

Even Khamaaj singer Shafqat Amanat Ali backed Atif. He said, "I stand in support of Atif Aslam for singing his songs at the parade. Music is not Indian or Pakistani. It's just music. Singers are synonymous with their songs which are loved equally by fans from every country."

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

Bollywood's version of 'Tajdar E Haram' is no where close to Atif Aslam, Sabri Brothers'

Atif's team is yet to comment on the matter.

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