Dawn Images

Arooj Aftab has everyone talking, including Pakistan’s celebrities who have been singing her praises ever since they found out that she is the first Pakistani female artist to be nominated for a Grammy.

Aftab was nominated for Best new Artist alongside celebrated artists Olivia Rodrigo, FINNEAS, The Kid LAROI and Jimmie Allen. She was also nominated in the Best Global Music Performance category. She’s the first Pakistani woman to ever be nominated and only the second Pakistani after Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s 1996 nomination.

In an Instagram post the artist ‘Mohabbat’ singer thanked everyone and wrote, “This is the most romantic thing that has ever happened in my crazy love affair with music!”

Her nomination has everyone cheering her on. Singer and songwriter Ali Zafar appreciated the ‘Diya Hai’ singer and said he was proud of her.

Actor Hania Aamir also chimed in and lauded the artist on this achievement. “What an honour, what a feat, Arooj Aftab – many congratulations!” she said.

Music producer Rohail Hyatt called it a “wonderful news.” Would he be interested in working with Aftab? We’re all ears.

Actor Osman Khalid Butt and TV show host Fakhar-e-Alam congratulated Aftab and expressed their happiness.

Actor Ushna Shah said she’s very proud and shared her favourite track by the artist. “’Bolo Na’ will always be a classic, she has remained true to herself and her art from the beginning and now she is making the country proud,” she wrote.

Singer Hadiqa Kiani said this was a proud moment for the nation.

Her nomination is also a great reminder to appreciate the emerging artists of Pakistan because you never know when they too could make it big. She’s already inspiring other artists, such as Taha G.

Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry also tweeted in appreciation of the young artist. “May your voice get to the ears and hearts of millions. Pakistan is very happy for you,” he said.

A few celebrities even took it to their Instagram stories to share the news with pride. Strings frontman Faisal Kapadia and actor Sarwat Gilani congratulated the artist and admired her achievement.

‘Hot Mango Chutney Sauce’ singer Meesha Shafi also dropped by and reminded us that Aftab is not only nominated for one but two categories, one being the Best New Artist and the other being Best Global Music Performance. Like we could ever forget this achievement!

Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy reminisced the time she spent with Aftab and wrote, “You go girl! I have seen you work so hard over the years. From our days in the edit suite to this! Bring it home.”

We hope that this one really comes home and we get to celebrate a true artist and her music. But even if Aftab doesn’t walk away with a Grammy, we’re all still super proud of her and her amazing achievement.