“You should feel ashamed.”
Singer Humaira Arshad has sparked fresh debate by criticising Pakistan Idol for allegedly selecting judges with no formal background in music.
Appearing on a talk show recently, Humaira openly questioned why celebrities without music credentials were chosen to evaluate trained singers.
She argued that judges on a singing competition must be well-versed in the craft, not just present for popularity or sponsorship appeal.
While not naming anyone directly, her comments were quickly linked to Fawad Khan, a current judge better known for his acting career.
Humaira said that the inclusion of irrelevant personalities was disrespectful to musicians who have spent their lives mastering their art.
Directing her words at those accepting judging roles despite lacking music experience or expertise, she said: “You should feel ashamed.”
She pointed out a specific incident where a judge cried over a child’s off-key performance, calling the reaction humorous and unconvincing.
Humaira also lamented how seasoned artists like Taranum Naz, Ghulam Ali, Saira Naseem, and Azra Jahan are rarely offered such positions.
She stressed that these legends, with deep musical roots, deserve far more recognition than they’re currently receiving on major platforms.
While many viewers echoed Humaira’s concerns, others were quick to correct what appeared to be a misunderstanding of Fawad’s background.
Though widely recognised as a film and television actor today, Fawad was a prominent figure in Pakistan’s rock music scene for years.
He began his music journey as the lead vocalist for Entity Paradigm, commonly known as EP, in the early 2000s.
The band gained national recognition after reaching the finale of Pepsi Battle of the Bands in 2002, becoming a youth sensation.
Their debut album, Irtiqa, was met with widespread acclaim, with tracks like ‘Rahguzar’ becoming fan favourites across the country.
Before forming EP, Fawad had led a band called Paradigm, which later merged with Ahmed Ali Butt’s Entity to create the powerhouse group.
Together, they shaped Lahore’s underground scene and became one of the defining voices of alternative music in the country.
Even after EP disbanded in 2007, Fawad returned for Coke Studio in 2010, performing ‘Bolo Bolo’ and releasing the hit single ‘Shor Macha’.
The song’s video, directed by Bilal Lashari and featuring Fawad, became an instant classic, further affirming his musical credentials.
Fawad himself has claimed to have performed at over 250 live shows before stepping away from music to pursue acting full-time.
Though his acting success later overshadowed his musical career, he remains a trained and tested performer in both creative fields.
Netizens claim Humaira Arshad’s assumption about Fawad Khan is based on incomplete information.
Pakistan Idol is still enjoying good ratings and strong viewer interest across television and digital platforms.
Viral clips, emotional auditions, and unexpected performances continue to dominate social media, keeping the show in the public eye.
Watch Humaira’s Criticism:
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