Logical Fallacies of the Ban on Atif Aslam 2.0
“Why Atif Aslam should not be banned?” One of the most controversial topics in Bollywood over the last six years has been the ban imposed on Pakistani artists.
This is my second article on the ban on Atif Aslam. So make sure that you have read the first one.
Here we will try to examine some other hollow and dubious claims haters spread about Atif Aslam.
We don’t need Atif! We have Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan.
This is perhaps the most irrational argument you hear from his haters. They say that roping in Pakistani singers is anti-national because the Indian film industry has many talented singers like Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, KK, and Sonu Nigam.
Now, imagine Udit Narayan singing a song, in his pleasant tone, for Tiger Shroff or Salman Khan. Imagine Kumar Sanu rendering his voice for Shahid Kapoor or John Abraham.
The music and voices of the 90s may not connect with the contemporary audience. Any sane person would agree that over time playback voices change. Similarly, after a few decades, stars like Atif and Arijit Singh may also become irrelevant. So-called nationalists mis-portray this to support their narrative.
Yes, Sonu Nigam, KK, and Mohit Chauhan are great! But, unfortunately, these days they hardly work on any project. Today the audience is more into Neha Kakkar and Guru Randhawa. To maximize profits and produce hit songs, music labels choose singers like Badshah, Jubin Nautiyal, and Tony Kakkar as the audience listens to their songs! Also, remember that Atif has been a part of Bollywood for 16 years! There must be a reason for his success, right?
Atif Aslam vs Arijit Singh
The pointless topic of debate in recent times in the film industry of South Asia has been the so-called battle between Atif and Arijit. While both these legends cater to different genres, some of their fans needlessly compare the two.
Everyone has their own taste in music. Though it is good to support the music and the artist you love, you can always ignore things you dislike. Every creator puts a lot of effort into their work (just like me😁). Trolling and hating someone does not fulfill any purpose.
Besides, we all grooved to Aadat, Phir Le Aaya Dil, Khamoshiyan, and Tere Sang Yaara, right?
It is also a fact that many established singers like Arijit Singh, Jubin Nautiyal, Vishal Mishra, Stebin Ben, Armaan Malik, and Sonu Nigam sing his songs in their concerts.
It is alright if you are an Aadeez or an Arijitian. You can be a fan of someone, but, to prove it, you need not be a hater of someone.
Arijit Singh about Atif Alsam’s Jeena Jeena
Atif Aslam about Arijit Singh’s Hawayein
Here is what these two legends have said about each other:-
Controversy over Kinna Sona
At the start of June 2020, a teaser of Kinna Sona- Atif Aslam version was leaked. After two weeks of persistent efforts and pressure from his fans, T-Series released a lyrical version of Kinna Sona. Soon it crossed millions of views just hours after its release.
As the song garnered attention, the hardline right-wing political party MNS warned T-Series to take down Atif Aslam’s Kinna Sona. Its Cine Wing Chief threatened T-Series with action in MNS style. Eventually, owing to pressure, T-Series made the video private.
Anger and disappointment rushed through all his fans. They poured in love and support for Atif Aslam. #IndiaLovesAtifAslam started trending on Twitter.
Even after that unfortunate incident, many people have shown their love for the Tere Bin-singer. Atif, perhaps, became the only Bollywood male singer for whom more than 100K tweets flooded in, with the hashtag #BringBackAtifAslam, on 3rd January 2021. His song Chale To Kat Hi Jayega received many accolades from music critics. On 13th June 2021 #WeMissYouAtifAslam was trending on Twitter.
Here’s a Twitter Thread by Dipanwita Banerjee to haters of Atif Aslam
Is MNS Nationalist?
People have forgotten that the MNS chief Raj Thackeray had predicted a terrorist attack during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He reiterated many times in his rallies that the BJP would create a warlike situation to fan nationalist emotions and manipulate them for the election.
He alleges that Mr. Modi orchestrated the Pulwama Attack but, surprisingly, revolts against Pakistani artists. Logic?
Let me give you some insights into the history of this issue.
- As per my knowledge, the demand to ban artists of Pakistan first surfaced after the 2016 Uri Terrorist Attack. Karan Johar-directed Ae Dil Hai Mushkil had faced severe backlash.
- MNS was, perhaps, the first political party to demand a ban. They were quick to realize the political void of this controversy.
- Since then, they have been aggressively pushing this agenda every time the Indo-Pak tensions increases. The MNS now has a monopoly on this issue.
- The Bhartiya Janta Party, a self-proclaimed nationalist party, also jumped into this controversy to get some political space.
Raj Thackeray became the hero of the Opposition in the 2019 LS elections with his fiery, fact-checking rallies against the BJP. But some reports had claimed that he would join hands with the same BJP for upcoming elections.
According to reports, Pakistani speedster Mohammad Amir would apply for British Citizenship to continue his stint in cricket. This is after his alleged feud with the Pakistan Cricket Board. Once he gets British Citizenship, he can play in the cash-rich IPL. He has expressed the desire to play in the Indian Premier League. Will the MNS allow him to play in IPL? Or will it ignore him just like they ignored other Pakistan-born cricketers like Imran Tahir and Usman Khwaja?
Besides, we don’t see MNS, or for that matter any so-called nationalist party rage against other countries which are acting against India.
Sri Lanka- Sri Lankan Government killed thousands of Indian Tamils, descendants of people who had been enslaved in Sri Lanka since colonial times.
China- Needless to say, China is the biggest threat to India. Its growing power in the subcontinent should be a cause of great worry. But we don’t see political parties churn out plans to tackle China’s policy of aggressive invasion.
America- The US also has a history of supporting Pakistan on key issues against India. The Trump administration’s immigration policy, removal of special status for India, killings of Indian immigrants should have received a massive outrage from Indian media and politicians. But that didn’t happen.
Britain- Following the suit, Britain under Boris Johnson has tightened its borders. Its foreign policy and trade ties are now in line with the “nation first” theory.
So, what I said is pro-Pakistan? NO! These were just a few examples where self-proclaimed nationalists don’t act impartially.
Pakistan, more than the US or Britain, invokes stronger nationalist sentiments among Indians. Politicians capitalize on this fact and use it for elections.
The Tweet about Kashmir
After the abrogation of Article 370, many countries had spoken up against the harsh measures undertaken to maintain “law and order” in Kashmir. I agree that what the O Saathi-singer said was wrong, and that Kashmir is an internal issue of India. People, fans and haters alike, trolled him for his remarks.
But we should note that arresting political leaders, curfew, heavy military deployment, complete internet shutdown are not normal conditions. It was indeed inhumane treatment.
Those who got offended when Atif commented on the internal matter of India, shamelessly comment on issues of other countries. We need to be tolerant enough to take contradictory opinions sportingly before we speak on other’s affairs.
Remember, there exists a section of media breeding upon your insecurities and using fake nationalism to “win big.” They are mongering hate and fear to suppress the real issues. Let us not fall prey to such divisive tactics. We are divided by boundaries but united by music! Let us not paint art with political colors.
Yes, our nation comes first. There is nothing more important to me than my country. But, it is also true that nationalism should not be selective. We should not fan it depending upon the vested interests of some politicians.
