Not ‘manly’ enough: Ali Sethi's Coachella milestone reduced to his 'feminine' clothes

Pakistani singer Ali Sethi's recent performance at the Coachella music festival has become the talk of the town. While his music received accolades, it was his fashion statement that garnered mixed reactions on social media. Sethi broke gender stereotypes by wearing a white Mughal angrakha – a traditional robe with long sleeves typically worn by men in South Asia – made by designer Fahad Hussayn.

The Pasoori singer's outfit, soon became the centre of attention, with some users questioning its "manliness." A Twitter user asked, "What is he even wearing though?" While another person tweeted, "Yeh tou baby girl hai (looks like a baby girl)." A few compared Sethi with Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, calling him "Pakistan’s Ranveer Singh." Singh is known for his outlandish outfit choices.

"Does Najam Sethi now have two daughters?" asked one Twitter user.

Does Najam Sethi now have two daughters? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/zIqYS29X8T

— ScarletSapphire (@SDJasmine) April 25, 2023

"Why, why, why?" questioned another user.

Why why why🤨 #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/1vf5o1X6aa

— Nour (@koffeeTalkss) April 25, 2023

However, Sethi's fans were quick to defend him, pointing out that the angrakha has been a traditional male garment for centuries in South Asia. One user wrote, "Bro, your ancestors literally wore these all the time; know your roots." Another user tweeted, "Isn't it like the Mughals' dress or something?" A fan also wrote, "It’s called fashion, look it up, sweetie." One fan asked Pakistanis to "stop abusing your own heroes."

Pakistan need to know sub continent got other dresses besides Shalwar Qameez and what #AliSethi wore at #Coachella was a Mughal Angarkha. Totally a traditional dress. Stop abusing your own heroes.

— Muhammad Usama Javed (@albela_raahi27) April 25, 2023

"One thing Ali Sethi's peshwas/angrakha choice episode brought to Twitter was the realization that colonisation has rotted culture to the extent that this third generation after Brits have no idea what the classic jama/dress for men was barely two centuries ago," noted one fan.

One thing Ali Sethi's peshwas/angarkha choice episode brought to twitter was the realization that the colonisation has rotten the culture to the extent that this third generation after Brits have no idea what the classic jama/dress for men was barely two centuries ago.

— Marwah Khan (@TheMarwahKhan) April 25, 2023

Sethi, who is known for his unique blend of traditional Pakistani music with modern Western beats, delivered a memorable performance at Coachella. His Instagram post after the event read, "There is no representation without inclusion, and I was so thrilled to see our manifold, many-splendored family light up the gobi tent." The singer also thanked his fellow performers and the designer of his outfit.

Sethi's appearance at Coachella in traditional attire has been applauded by many as a bold move that challenges gender norms. It highlights the importance of representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry, where people from different backgrounds and cultures can showcase their talent without being judged by their appearance. The singer's bold fashion statement is a testament to the changing times, where people are more accepting and embracing of diversity.

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