Shots fired: Is Falak Shabbir targeting Atif Aslam's qawwali mix?

Singer Falak Shabir, husband of renowned actress Sarah Khan, recently shared his thoughts on social media about modern renditions of classic qawwalis; a message fans believe was a direct dig at Atif Aslam.

Without naming anyone, Falak criticised contemporary singers who keep revamping the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s qawwalis instead of producing original music.

He wrote on his Instagram story: “Khan Shahab ko unki akhri aram gah main tu aram karnay dein please. And work on some originals  I Think we should let Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s soul in peace at his eternal resting place and should produce something new and original”

His comment sparked discussion online, with many linking it to Atif Aslam’s recent modern rendition of a Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan classic.

While Falak didn’t mention Atif by name, the timing and tone led fans to assume the comment was directed at him.

The remark stirred debate on social media. Some supported Falak, saying originality in music is vanishing, while others defended Atif for bringing qawwali to a younger generation.

One fan wrote, “Atif Aslam is not ruining qawwali  he’s reviving it for new audiences,” while another commented, “Falak should first create something legendary himself before criticizing.”

Atif Aslam recently reinterpreted a classic qawwali by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, giving it a contemporary twist.