Judging the judges

Debate brews over Fawad Khan's role on 'Pakistan Idol' panel

The return of 'Pakistan Idol' for its second season has reignited public fascination with televised music competitions - and, more controversially, sparked a debate over who qualifies to judge them.

At the centre of the latest controversy is actor and musician Fawad Khan, whose presence on the judging panel has drawn both applause and criticism from industry insiders.

The new season, which features Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Bilal Maqsood, Zeb Bangash and Fawad Khan as judges, has been praised for combining classical, pop, and mainstream expertise.

Yet the inclusion of Fawad, better known in recent years for his acting career, has led some critics - notably singer Humaira Arshad - to question whether celebrity status alone is sufficient qualification for such a role.

Speaking during an interview with a private television, Humaira voiced her reservations without directly naming Fawad, saying that some of the judges on 'Pakistan Idol' have "no connection with music."

Her comments were quickly picked up by social media and entertainment platforms, fuelling discussion about authenticity and expertise in talent-based programming.

"Judging musical talent requires years of training and a deep understanding of vocals and rhythm," she said. "If someone knows they lack that knowledge, they should decline such roles instead of accepting them merely for fame or money."

Humaira added that while celebrities could certainly appear as guests or mentors, sitting in judgement over trained singers required a level of musical comprehension that not everyone possesses.

The veteran playback singer, known for her classical background and hit songs in the early 2000s, further remarked that sponsors often favour star power over substance.

"These shows are meant to discover new singers," she noted. "The people judging them must have real command over music, not just popularity." With a touch of sarcasm, she added,

"If a contestant were to ask some of these celebrity judges to perform a taan (classical note), they probably couldn't do it. So how can they evaluate others?"

Her remarks, though not naming anyone specifically, were widely interpreted as a swipe at Fawad Khan - who, despite a prolific music past, has been better known in recent years as one of Pakistan's biggest acting exports.

Social media users split sharply on the issue, with many defending Fawad's credentials while others agreed with Humaira's broader critique about the entertainment industry's prioritisation of fame over expertise.

Fawad's colleagues were quick to come to his defence. Actor Durefishan Saleem reshared a video by influencer Bilal Hassan, who argued that criticism of Fawad reflected a larger national habit of tearing down globally recognised Pakistanis - from Malala Yousafzai to Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

"Healthy critique is part of the business," Saleem wrote, "but being overly critical of your own people isn't progress; it's disgrace."

Actor Nameer Khan echoed the sentiment, calling for more appreciation of artistic achievement. "Fawad Khan is a star, and he owes no one an explanation," he said, urging the public to celebrate rather than vilify those who bring international acclaim to the country.

Singer and actor Haroon Shahid, who began his career around the same time as Fawad's rock band Entity Paradigm (EP), took to X (formerly Twitter) to call the entire controversy "stupid".

"The fact that she doesn't know about Fawad and Bilal Bhai as musicians is the really alarming thing in all this," he wrote. "This season of the Idol is doing well, and we'll see all these people craving for attention. I love the panel - all bases covered."

Indeed, many fans have pointed out that before his acting stardom in 'Humsafar' and 'Kapoor & Sons', Fawad had a legitimate career as a musician. As the lead vocalist of the early 2000s rock band Entity Paradigm, Fawad helped define a generation of Pakistani alternative music.

Songs like 'Hamesha' and 'Waqt' became anthems for urban youth, blending rock sensibilities with poetic lyricism and sharp social undertones.

Those who defend his presence on 'Pakistan Idol' argue that his experience as a performer - both as a frontman and as a global entertainment figure - brings valuable insight to contestants aspiring to navigate fame and artistic growth simultaneously.

His supporters contend that musical judgement is not limited to technical prowess alone; it also involves understanding performance, audience connection, and creative storytelling - qualities that Fawad has demonstrated throughout his career.

Still, Humaira Arshad's criticism touches on a persistent tension within Pakistan's entertainment landscape: the clash between commercial visibility and artistic credibility.

While her remarks may seem blunt, they reflect a frustration shared by many musicians who feel that television talent shows, once intended to promote serious musical discovery, have gradually evolved into star-studded spectacles catering to sponsors and ratings rather than raw talent.

As 'Pakistan Idol Season 2' continues to air, the controversy has inadvertently boosted its visibility. Viewership numbers remain strong, and discussions around the judging panel have turned into free publicity.

The mix of judges - Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's classical mastery, Bilal Maqsood's pop sensibility, Zeb Bangash's folk finesse, and Fawad Khan's cross-genre appeal - offers a broad spectrum of musical insight that appeals to a multi-generational audience.

For many fans, Fawad's return to a music-based show is not just nostalgia but also a reminder of his multifaceted talent. As one fan aptly commented online, "A true artist never stops learning, and Fawad has proved that across every medium he's touched."

Whether or not everyone agrees with his appointment, it is undeniable that his presence has reignited interest in Pakistani music television - and in doing so, made 'Pakistan Idol' the most talked-about show of the season.