Social media is abuzz with questions about why Fawad Khan, widely recognized today as a leading actor, is judging the singing reality show Pakistan Idol. While Gen Z may know him primarily as a celebrated actor, millennials and 90s kids remember him first and foremost as the frontman of the iconic rock band Entity Paradigm (EP).

 

Fawad Afzal Khan, born November 29, 1981 is a multi-talented Pakistani actor, producer, screenwriter, songwriter, and singer, known for his contributions to both film and television. He is the recipient of numerous accolades, including a Filmfare Award, two Lux Style Awards, and six Hum Awards.

 

Khan’s career began in the early 2000s with the television sitcom Jutt and Bond. It was through this show that he, along with his co-stars, formed the alternative rock band Entity Paradigm (EP). Khan served as the lead vocalist of the band, which went on to gain national fame after appearing in the finale of Pepsi Battle of the Bands in 2002. Their debut album Irtiqa, released in 2003, was met with critical acclaim and helped establish Khan as a music icon. The romantic track Rahguzar from the album became especially popular.

 

EP was not just a band, it was a movement. Before the merger that formed EP, two bands had dominated Lahore’s underground music scene: Ahmed Ali Butt's Entity and Fawad Khan’s Paradigm. Their collaboration on the Jutt and Bond title track led to the fusion of the two bands into one powerhouse.

 

Though EP eventually disbanded in 2007, they reunited in 2010 for a special appearance in Coke Studio Season 3, where they performed a cover of Sajjad Ali’s Bolo Bolo. Later that year, they released the single Shor Macha, which quickly became a hit. The song’s music video, directed by Bilal Lashari and featuring Khan, further cemented the band’s legendary status. According to Khan, he performed in nearly 250 live shows as a musician before leaving the band in 2012 to fully dedicate himself to his acting career.

 

Khan made his film debut in the critically acclaimed Khuda Kay Liye (2007), one of Pakistan’s highest-grossing films at the time. However, it was his television roles that truly skyrocketed him to fame. Dramas such as Humsafar and Dastaan earned him widespread admiration, with Khan winning the Best Male Actor Award at the Pakistan Media Awards. His role in Zindagi Gulzar Hai (2012) further established his place in the hearts of fans.

 

From there, Khan’s acting career took off. He starred in several major Pakistani and Bollywood films, including the blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt. He also made a notable cameo in Marvel Studios’ Ms Marvel, playing Hassan, Kamala Khan’s great-grandfather.

 

But the music never truly left him. In July 2017, Fawad Khan returned to his musical roots by appearing as a judge on Pepsi Battle of the Bands Season 2, alongside Atif Aslam and Meesha Shafi. Not only did he judge the competition, but he also performed the show's introductory song, which was released in a special video on July 23 with Aslam and Shafi.

 

 

Later in the season, Khan delivered a memorable performance of his song Hamesha with his band on the show’s stage, reigniting the raw energy and passion that had once defined EP. Fans were ecstatic, vibing with the performance that threw them back to the golden age of Pakistani rock.

 

 

He also stole the show with his original Satrangi along with the biggest orchestra performance ever in the third season of Pepsi Battle of the Bands. He also performed on Uth Jaag in season 4.

 

 

In addition to this, Khan lent his voice to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) anthem Khel Deewano Ka, which became a massive hit. His vocals received widespread praise, proving once again that his talents go beyond acting.

 

Khan's signature look — dark eyes, black attire, chains, and that brooding rockstar aura remains unforgettable for millennials. It wasn’t just about music. It was a vibe, a statement, and a feeling that still resonates deeply with fans. For them, Khan will always be the iconic rockstar of their youth.

 

 

So, why is Fawad Khan judging Pakistan Idol? Because he’s not just an actor. He’s a musician, a performer, and a pioneer who helped shape Pakistan’s modern music scene. His contributions to both music and entertainment make him more than qualified to judge a platform like Pakistan Idol. If anything, he absolutely deserves that seat at the judge's table.