Indian singer Arijit Singh drew widespread praise across social media, including from Pakistani fans, after he spoke warmly about fellow musicians Atif Aslam and Shafqat Amanat Ali during a recent concert in Abu Dhabi.
During the performance, Singh covered Atif’s popular song Pehli Nazar Mein from the Bollywood film Race (2008). Midway through his set, he paused to ask the audience whether Pakistani songs were still banned in India, admitting that he did not closely follow the news but was curious about the situation.
“I have a question for you all. This might be controversial but I do not care, I do not follow the news as much but is playing Pakistani songs still banned in India?” he asked.
He expressed frustration at the response, holding his fists up in the air.
Singh then took a moment to express his admiration for both singers. “Atif Aslam is one of my favourites and Shafqat Amanat Ali,” he told the crowd before continuing his set.
Pakistani fans responded warmly to the gesture, with many taking to social media to say they love his music just as much in return.
Both Singh and Atif rank among the most influential and celebrated singers in South Asian music, having delivered some of the biggest romantic hits over the last two decades.
