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Remember Master Aslam, the rickshaw driver with killer vocals?

Remember Master Aslam, the rickshaw driver with killer vocals?

The one who was praised by the iconic Indian melody queen Lata Mangeshkar
Updated 26 Jul, 2016

KARACHI: Where has Master Aslam disappeared?

Yes, the same rickshaw driver Aslam from Karachi who was generously praised by the iconic Indian melody queen Lata Mangeshkar for his singing on Facebook - after which he became an overnight celebrity of sorts.

It was in the second week of April that a video clip of Aslam, in which he’s singing in his rickshaw a Bade Ghulam Ali thumri Yaad piya ki aey with a great deal of aplomb, went viral and was seen by Lataji. The playback legend immediately commented on the clip saying the man should be in front of the microphone singing songs not holding the handlebars of a rickshaw.

Her validation of his talented prompted a hysteric response from the Pakistani media. In the blink of an eye, Aslam was almost on every television channel, giving interviews, thanking Lataji profusely and pledging that he would resume the riaz which had been disrupted because of his financially challenged situation. That he did. And, make no mistake, he is a pretty special vocalist. Those who know about music will tell you that he seldom hits a false note.

During his interviews on television channels promises were made to Aslam that his life would now take a turn, for the better. On one occasion, Indian folk and film singer Daler Mehdi said he would buy a flat for Aslam as his Eid gift. He told Aslam that he could get the apartment in any city of Pakistan.

Then promises were made in the media that Aslam’s difficult times were over, and that now he would lead a comfortable life and should only concentrate on flexing his vocal muscles. Were the promises kept? Why did Aslam suddenly vanish from the showbiz radar?

Talking to Dawn on Monday morning, Aslam sounded despondent. “Not a single promise has been kept. I’m still there where I was. Daler Mehdi had said that he would hand me over the keys to my flat on Eid, it didn’t happen either.”

So, how has he been making ends meet? “Those who are close to me have been supporting me. A television channel got in touch with me saying that I would be given a job there. They say they will get back to me in a few days,” said Aslam.

What does this say about our society? Unsurprisingly, not much. Perhaps if Lataji hadn’t talked about this Karachi-based singer, he wouldn’t have garnered the kind of attention that he did in April. Even after that, his sonorous voice is yet to reach a wider audience.

Originally published in Dawn, July 26th, 2016

Comments

Baaligh Jul 26, 2016 11:58am
"What does this say about our society? Unsurprisingly, not much. " Why make promises, if not intended to be fulfilled ? It would be highly appreciable even if those people apologized for not being able to keep promise(s)...due to any reason (true or concocted reasons) whatsoever. Even now apologies can be offered.
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Sara Jul 26, 2016 12:29pm
Why did he give up driving a rickshaw if that was his only source of income?
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Khilari Jul 26, 2016 12:49pm
Relying on yourself is the real strength, depending upon others weakens you.
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Jiten Jul 26, 2016 03:11pm
I would suggest to Aslambhai, take a visa and come to India with help of local NGO or Musician group and try to luck in India. Honestly, the present world, it is very difficult to find a noble person who will give unconditional help. you need to do some hard work and you will sure get what you deserver and trust me your hard work for that will less compare the current hard work for bread & butter .
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Atif Jul 26, 2016 04:05pm
@Sara with the sky praised, he took up Riaz, which his rickshaw driving didn't allow time for.
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GA Jul 26, 2016 04:43pm
There's no free lunch in this world. He will have to struggle for it and keep knocking on doors or release YouTube videis. Sitting at home and expecting manna to fall from heavens is not going to happen.
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ak Jul 26, 2016 05:02pm
I believe coke studio should give him a chance. I mean the guy has talent no doubt.
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Ehsan Jul 26, 2016 06:33pm
Why is he looking at Bollywood for support
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Zak Jul 27, 2016 12:35am
Can an artist invite him to coke studio. See him take off from there. Ali Zafar, Shezad Roy, Atif Aslam, Fariha Pervaiz....!
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ALI Jul 27, 2016 02:11am
@Jiten : Very good and sincere advice, practical also. Karachi is full of generous people, ask for help and a visa to India is the gateway to success. Try to be there & approach Madam Lata Mangashkar along with Mahesh Bhatt you will get good result. This is the way to do it. Do not gorget to say hello to Daler Saheb.
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Alam Jul 27, 2016 05:21am
@Ehsan why don't you help him then? He never said he wanted their support. At least he got some sort of acknowledgement from them.
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Omrna Jul 27, 2016 09:29am
@Ehsan simple, no one in lolly woods or any woods is interested to help him
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