I believe we haven't given our artistes their due credit: Atif Aslam

He also explained how the passport does not include music as a profession even though 'beggar' is an option

Renowned Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik has taken to social media to launch his very own virtual talk show like many others in this pandemic outbreak, and as his first guest, Shoaib invited none other than Atif Aslam.

Atif, who is easily one of the most recognisable voices in South Asia is notably private but shed his inhibitions for this special episode for his decade-old pal Shoaib. And, he had a lot of little candid confessions in store! He even sang a song with a mask on, in a melodious feminine voice.

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However, Atif also shed a serious light on the plight of many successful artistes in the country.

When asked about how he feels about his patriotism  being questioned because he lends his voice to Bollywood songs, Atif said, "I believe we haven't given many artistes their due credit." He went on to explain, "Artistes who've lit up Pakistan's name, propagated it to the world when people didn't know what Pakistan was, like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sahab did a lot of work."

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"Even now, if you talk about the recognition of an artiste - in our passport, there is a space where you specify your profession and around 4-5 years back I noticed that there was an option for choosing 'beggar' but not a 'musician' or 'artist'," he added.

He then reiterated how we, as a nation, need to appreciate "our art, our culture, and we need to celebrate our sportsmen, musicians, artists."

Atif also mentioned that we need to appreciate and care for our "intellectuals, poets and philosophers" because they are extremely precious.

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He then jumped to talking about people questioning him and said, "When you don't like something about someone or when you start envying them, you start pulling their leg in whatever way you can, without knowing any truth."

"I belong to this country, I am from this country and I am very proud of this country. I am proud of myself, Alhamdulillah (Thank God)..." he said before Shoaib reassured him that he is the pride of Pakistan, which he undoubtedly is.

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