Pakistani actors engaged in war of words while commenting on singer Shahzad Roy’s ‘remixed’ version of national anthem he performed at an award ceremony earlier this week. Remixed version of anthem, which was created by singer to mark 75th Independence anniversary of country, features lyrics as original, but he has used some of more modern instruments to create melody, replacing traditional tones. Intensive arguments erupted after remixed version did not set well with actor Adnan Siddqiue, who called it ‘disrespectful’.

“It is appropriate to take creative liberties with our National Anthem, which was composed to instil in us patriotism and remind us of our nation’s glory? Does our Constitution permit anyone to improvise/remix Tarana in guise of creativity?” Meray Pass Tum Ho actor wrote in tweet “As Pakistani and an artist, I found diversity of my country reflected in this rendition of national anthem beautiful. I found it healing,” Aly said on Instagram. “Shehzad Roy and Wahab Bugti broke no law. They breached no protocol.

Their rendition reflected values of our Constitution and remained true to original anthem,” she empahsised. Addressing Siddiqui, Gul-e-Rana said, “You asked for thoughts. These are mine. Feel free to disagree”. As debate spiraled up, star actor Anoushey Ashraf threw weight behind views of Sajal Aly. “I absolutely agree with you. Many countries have different renditions of original anthem as long as it’s done within frame of decency and acceptability. This is just adding more diversity to it to accommodate everyone, it doesn’t change its essence or feel. Never will,” she wrote on Twitter. “There is protocol to be followed for national symbols, respect accorded to them much so that first alphabets of national symbols are written in upper case,” Siddique wrote while tagging Instagram Story to Sajal Aly. “What is next because we are creative and should celebrate diversity? Hoist National Flag upside down and design our own version of emblem?” He added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 28 2022

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