Shaheer Ahmed
This year’s Lux Style Awards (LSAs) got underway with a rendition of the national anthem by Abdul Wahab Bugti and Shehzad Roy. Adnan Siddiqui responded by criticising the performance on social media, calling it “disrespectful.”
The Meray Paas Tum Ho actor wrote a lengthy message for his followers, questioning the extent of “creative liberties” one can take while rendering the national anthem. He said, “Is it appropriate to take creative liberties with our National Anthem, which was composed to instil in our patriotism and remind us of our nation’s glory?” Siddiqui also asked fans if the “constitution permits anyone to improvise the tarana in the guise of creativity.” He further highlighted that only the “original rendition” of the national anthem is played at “matches, tournaments, and other state functions.”
He also made fun of the artists at the Lux Style Awards 2022 for “fiddling” with a “national symbol” without receiving any backlash from the public. “However, at a renowned awards ceremony, artists mess with the flag and might even get away with it. I personally think that remixing the tarana is disrespectful, Siddiqui wrote, adding the hashtag “respect national symbols.”
Sajal Aly joined the conversation shortly after Siddiqui’s post went viral and offered a another viewpoint. In a series of Instagram Stories, the Yaqeen Ka Safar actor emphasised how the “rendition” of the national anthem is “inclusive of historically marginalised groups” and is a much more patriotic deed because it embodies the concepts of togetherness and love.
“Pakistan’s diversity makes it beautiful. A rendition of the national anthem that is inclusive of historically marginalised groups is far more patriotic than imposing a rigid and unitary idea of how to show love for our country and its people,” she wrote.
In response to Aly’s statement, Siddiqui asserted that a set protocol is followed in the case of national symbols. “This protocol is to be followed for national symbols, the respect accorded to them much so that the first alphabets of the national anthem are in upper case,” noted Siddiqui. The Dum Mastam actor again lamented the integrity of national symbols and the limit to which they can be altered to “celebrate diversity.”
He said, “What next, because we are creative and should celebrate diversity? Hoist the National Flag upside down and design our own version of the emblem?” Siddiqui concluded the discussion by clarifying how he has not mentioned any artist names in his original post, therefore Aly should not “stroke” up any “unnecessary controversy.”
Internet stands divided after the conversation between the two actors. Half of the people including celebrities such as Aijaz Aslam think Adnan Siddiqui is right while some feel he was being mean and should not target another personality based on his personal views.
Who do you think is in the right?
