Asim Azhar clears the air on Hadiqa Kiani controversy

He apparently said that 'Boohey Barian' singer is 'not a legend'

Model Sadaf Kanwal recently landed herself in hot water when she shared her stance on the ongoing #MeToo movement. The 25-year-old spoke about how victims of sexual abuse should speak up at the time of the incident, instead of bringing it up weeks, months or even years later.

“You know, when you have a #MeToo incident, say it then. Why are you remembering it later? I think when it happens you should say it,” she said earlier.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/SADAF KANWAL

Meesha Shafi throws major shade at Sadaf Kanwal

Now, singer Azim Azhar is in the spotlight. Azhar recently joined Tera Woh Pyar co-singer Momina Mustehsan on the chat show during which he apparently said that Boohey Barian singer Hadiqa Kiani, is "not a legend".

As the host asked Mustehsan what comes to mind when she hears 'Hadiqa Kiani', she quickly responded with "legend". However, Azhar seemed to disagree. “Legend is too big of a word for me. The standards for a legend are too high."

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM

He added, "Someone with a stature of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan who has influenced people can be called a legend.” Mustehsan's response to this was, “Kisi ko izzat dene mein aap ka kya jaa raha ha? (What would you lose by giving someone the respect?) Hadiqa must have set trends at her own level.” “She must have,” Asim replied.

Unsurprisingly, many audiences - Kiani fans or not - weren't too happy with Azhar's remarks. But the Noor crooner didn't waste any time in clearing things up. He took to Twitter to set things straight.

"I feel like my words have been put out of proportion and certain media outlets are cashing in on it. I said what I said because the word 'legend' for me is too big."

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

Azhar continued, "When I think of the word 'legend', names like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sahab, Abida Parveen jee etc. come to mind... only because of the amount of revolution their music and art has brought through decades."

He further stated, "With that being said, Hadiqa Kiani jee is nothing short of an icon herself - not only for women, but for all artists and art lovers. In fact, she's definitely on her way to become a legend in my eyes."

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

The singer ended his message with, "Even though I myself am no one to put my opinion regarding this publicly, without being asked, but I feel like it was important becasue of the amount of people who follow and idolise us. I would never encourage disrespecting anybody and specially your seniors. P.S. dupatta mera malmal ka was and is my jam!"

pic.twitter.com/MKbNMJa5ei

— Asim Azhar (@AsimAzharr) October 4, 2018

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