Atif Aslam hits back at critics after father’s death

World-renowned Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has responded to criticism over his decision to perform at a concert the day after his father’s passing, saying that people should “love me for my art” instead of questioning his personal choices.

Atif Aslam’s father passed away in Lahore last month. The very next day, the singer fulfilled his professional commitment by performing at the Independence Day concert at Karachi’s National Stadium.

While many fans praised him for honoring his work despite immense grief, others questioned his decision and called it insensitive.

Atif Aslam’s response to backlash

Speaking to Canadian-based Indian journalist Faridun Shahryar during his ongoing concert tour in Canada, Atif Aslam dismissed the criticism.

“After my father’s death, everyone was talking about how I performed the next day. What happens in my house becomes their channel’s content,” he said.

He added: “It is not my job to tell others what to do or not. I cannot relate to the whole world. My job is art — love me for my art, and hate me for my music, but don’t tell me what to do.”

The singer, known for timeless hits like Tera Hone Laga Hoon, Jeene Laga Hoon, and Woh Lamhe, has often spoken about balancing his personal life with the demands of an international career. His recent comments highlight the struggles artists face when private grief collides with public expectations.

For many, Atif Aslam’s decision to go ahead with the concert was a mark of professionalism and resilience. Performing in front of thousands of fans while dealing with such a personal tragedy is no easy task. It showed his commitment to his audience and to the event organizers who relied on him to deliver a memorable performance.

Critics, however, viewed the choice differently. They argued that mourning should have taken precedence over entertainment, and some felt he should have taken time away from the stage to grieve privately. This difference in perspective sparked a larger debate about how society perceives grief and what it expects from public figures during vulnerable moments.

Atif Aslam’s response also sheds light on the broader issue of how celebrities are often judged harshly when their personal decisions do not align with societal expectations. Aslam reminded people that artists are human beings with their own coping mechanisms. What may seem inappropriate to some may actually be a way for someone else to heal, by channeling emotions through their work.

It is also important to remember the cultural context in which Atif Aslam’s performance took place. In Pakistan, Independence Day celebrations hold immense significance. Backing out of such a high-profile national event at the last minute could have caused not just disappointment for fans, but also logistical and financial challenges for organizers. His decision to perform may have been driven by a sense of duty to his country and his supporters.

Many fans have since expressed admiration for his strength, saying that performing so soon after such a loss is a testament to his dedication. For them, the concert was not a sign of insensitivity, but rather a demonstration of how art can become a source of solace and healing, both for the artist and the audience.

Artists around the world have often faced similar criticism when continuing to work during personal tragedies. Some believe that withdrawing from the public eye is the only respectful response, while others argue that fulfilling commitments honors the memory of loved ones by showing perseverance. Atif Aslam’s situation reflects this universal dilemma faced by performers across cultures.

The conversation also opens up a wider reflection on how grief is experienced differently by individuals. There is no single “correct” way to mourn, and society’s attempt to enforce one-size-fits-all standards can sometimes overlook the deeply personal nature of loss. For Atif Aslam, music may very well be the outlet through which he processes grief, making his decision a personal and valid one.

At the end of the day, the singer has made it clear that his work and his art should be the focus of public attention, not his private choices. His words encourage fans to celebrate the joy his music brings rather than dwell on personal matters that are beyond public understanding. In a world where celebrities often live under a microscope, Atif Aslam’s reminder is timely — art should remain the bridge between the artist and the audience.