Entertainment
Bushra Ansari Criticizes Chahat Fateh Ali Khan’s Viral Fame, Calling It “Disrespectful to Music”
Veteran Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari recently voiced her disappointment over the rise of social media personalities like Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, who have gained overnight fame by singing classic songs in an unconventional style. Speaking on the comedy show Hansna Mana Hai with Tabish Hashmi, Ansari expressed her concern about Pakistan’s growing viral culture, where figures such as Chahat achieve quick fame at the expense of artistry.
Chahat Fateh Ali Khan rose to prominence with his offbeat renditions of popular songs, particularly his viral version of Madam Noor Jehan’s Badobadi. However, Ansari is troubled by the trend. “I am disheartened by how such content goes viral. I don’t understand this viral trend and the mindset behind it,” she said during the show.
Her frustration extends to what she perceives as the degradation of Pakistan’s rich musical legacy. “It hurts me to see the open disrespect for music. The exploitation of classic songs like this is unbearable for me,” she lamented.
Chahat’s viral fame has sparked a wider debate within Pakistan’s entertainment industry, as other artists have also raised concerns about the impact of viral trends on the country’s cultural and musical values. Despite this, Chahat remains defiant.
Earlier this year, his viral hit Bado Badi was temporarily removed from YouTube due to copyright issues, though it had garnered 28 million views across Pakistan and India. The removal was welcomed by many Pakistani musicians and social media users, but Chahat expressed his frustration over the backlash. He has since announced that the song was reinstated after the copyright strike was lifted.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Chahat expressed confusion over the opposition he faces from prominent figures in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, saying, “I have worked hard for eight years to gain fame and earn my livelihood. I have invested my own money in my songs without any sponsorship.”
Undeterred by his critics, Chahat vowed to continue his singing career. “To those who want me to quit singing, I say more songs are coming, and I will keep singing,” he stated, adding that his performances entertain both children and adults alike.
Despite his confidence, Chahat has also been hit with a legal notice accusing him of defaming the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The notice, filed by Qaiser Munir Khan, accuses Chahat of tarnishing Nusrat’s legacy and violating copyright laws by falsely claiming to be related to the late musician.
The notice demands Rs180 million in damages and a public apology from Chahat, with a lawsuit to follow if he fails to respond within 15 days.
As the debate over Chahat Fateh Ali Khan’s fame continues, it raises critical questions about the future of Pakistan’s musical heritage and the influence of viral culture on traditional art forms.
