“Why wear a skirt to show emotion?"
Ali Sethi has once again sparked nationwide debate, this time for his attire and makeup in ‘Bridegroom’.
The ‘Pasoori’ singer has become a lightning rod for controversy after releasing visuals for his latest track, wearing a bright yellow skirt and makeup in the images.
Shared on his Instagram, the photos quickly went viral.
They drew intense reactions from social media users across the country.
‘Bridegroom’ presents an unconventional narrative. It follows the emotional reflections of a bride questioning her friends about her groom.
Ali Sethi’s choice to embody this storyline through gender-fluid fashion has been interpreted by some as an artistic experiment and by others as a provocation.
Critics immediately latched onto his appearance, with many labelling it “bizarre” and accusing him of imitating women.
Accusations escalated into personal attacks, with users questioning his gender identity, sexual orientation, and intent behind the fashion choices.
One commenter bluntly claimed: “This is the result of growing up on haram (forbidden) wealth.”
Another alleged: “He’s clearly pushing a foreign agenda.”
The criticisms also included claims that Sethi was promoting “hidden agendas” and undermining cultural values.
Some even brought his personal life into question, speculating about his sexuality and claiming he was in a same-sex relationship.
Others accused him of using provocative visuals for publicity.
A user angrily posted: “Why wear a skirt to show emotion? Is this what art means now?”
Despite the online backlash, many of Sethi’s fans and fellow artists defended him, calling his expression brave and necessary.
Supporters argue that his artistic choices reflect global trends in music and fashion, where personal identity and visual storytelling often intersect.
They see ‘Bridegroom’ not as a scandal, but as a commentary on rigid gender roles and the evolving nature of art.
Ali Sethi has not directly responded to the criticism, but his decision to continue promoting the song indicates that he stands by his work.
‘Bridegroom’ is part of his album Love Language, which was released on August 1, 2025.
As the cultural conversation grows louder, Sethi remains a polarising figure, celebrated for his innovation and condemned for challenging tradition.
Whether praised or ridiculed, Ali Sethi continues to push boundaries, using his platform to explore identity, art, and emotion in unexpected ways.