Ali Azmat's degrading comments about Noor Jehan irk many

Rockstar Ali Azmat recently irked many after his views regarding Malika-e-Tarannum Noor Jehan in an interview went viral on social media. The Na Re Na star, in a tete-a-tete with a local publication shared how Pakistanis accepted the cultural change by MTV in his younger days.

Azmat remarked, "Living in Lahore and playing street cricket in our shorts, we grew up where 11 kids would collect the money to buy a ball, it was obvious for us to completely embrace the cultural invasion by MTV." He went on to add, "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)."

The host at that point intervened and commented Noor Jehan was a brilliant singer. "I'm telling you the story of days when I was younger and when we accepted the other culture, which later became a norm."

Soon after the clip of the said interview went viral, many took to social media and condemned Azmat's comments.

"By the way, Ali Azmat, that kofta looking woman was matchless. What do you have on your credit, a few songs? What she has, is timeless beautiful volumes of songs," a user shared, adding, "

"If this guy understood generation gaps he'd realise he is to us what Noor Jahan was to him in his 'jawani'. Minus the enduring musical legacy," shared another.

"Noor Jahan is an icon!" said one more user. "Shocked to hear his disrespectful views."

Another, however, lent support to Azmat. "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."

Azmat is yet to address the criticism.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.