Legendary Pakistani folk singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi recently shared a heartfelt reflection on how his family’s initial opposition to his musical career eventually turned into immense pride.

Known for his soulful voice and timeless hits, Esakhelvi’s rise to fame was not without challenges, especially within his own household. In a candid interview, the acclaimed singer revealed that his family, particularly his father, initially opposed his passion for singing. At the time, his family viewed music as an unstable and unworthy career choice. “When I first started singing, my father was against it. He didn’t understand why I wanted to pursue a career in music,” Esakhelvi explained. “He believed that music was not a respectable profession, and like any concerned parent, he wanted me to choose something more conventional and secure.”

Despite facing resistance, Esakhelvi remained steadfast in his passion. He recalled how his love for music was unwavering, and he continued to pursue it with full dedication, often performing at local gatherings and events. His breakthrough came when his powerful voice and raw emotion captivated audiences, eventually gaining the attention of music lovers and industry insiders across Pakistan. As Esakhelvi’s career flourished and his songs became anthems of the Pakistani folk music scene, his family’s stance began to change. “It was when they saw how much people loved my music, and how I was able to make a living from it, that their attitude started to shift,” he shared. Over time, his family, once skeptical, began to take pride in his success.