Hasan Raheem calls viral wedding an unexpected gift

Singer says his mother's advice on tradition helped showcase G-B's culture nationwide

Wedding videos may be meant as personal keepsakes, but when footage from singer Hasan Raheem's big day surfaced online, it turned into a cultural showcase of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) that captivated fans across Pakistan.

The August wedding of the 26-year-old singer-songwriter was arguably the viral event of the summer, with clips of Raheem in traditional Gilgiti attire circulating widely on social media.

Raheem, in a sitting with BBC Asian Network, reflected on the experience with humour and gratitude — particularly towards his mother, who had urged him to embrace tradition on his big day.

One highlight of the celebrations was Raheem's energetic dancing. He recalled being pulled to the floor "every five minutes" to show off his moves. "I told everyone I'll show them how it's done," he laughed, adding that his steps were deeply rooted in Gilgiti culture.

The singer admitted he hadn't expected such an outpouring of love online, joking with friends that if music didn't work out, "we're dance choreographers at weddings now."

Beyond the dance floor, Raheem's attire also struck a chord. His shuqa overcoat — a family heirloom passed from his maternal grandfather to his father and then to him — paired with a classic pakol cap, became a symbol of cultural pride.

"I didn't think people would notice it so much," he said, "but the love for it was overwhelming."

The viral videos also sparked debate over his affectionate moments with his bride. Asked whether he had second thoughts about the public display, Raheem admitted to initial hesitation.

His mother even suggested barring mobile phones at the wedding, but he brushed the idea aside. "I was too happy to be boiling over stuff I can't really control," he explained. Calling it the "best week" of his life, he said the criticism paled in comparison to the joy of the moment.

Adding to the light-hearted chaos, Raheem quipped that his cousins had turned into "influencers for six days," busy filming and posting everything. "I should've charged them for making content out of my marriage," he joked.

For Raheem, what started as a family celebration has unexpectedly become a national talking point — one that not only spotlighted his music-star persona, but also showcased the rich traditions of Gilgit-Baltistan to a wider audience.