Singer Humaira Arshad has criticized the popular singing competition Pakistan Idol for appointing judges with “no background in music,” calling the move disrespectful to both the art form and the musicians who have spent their lives mastering it.
In a recent interview, Humaira was asked whether the panel of judges on Pakistan Idol, particularly the inclusion of actor Fawad Khan, was appropriate. She did not hold back in her response.
“This isn’t the first time Pakistan Idol has appointed judges who have no connection to music,” she said. “Judges should feel ashamed. If you have nothing to do with singing, then don’t take a seat on a show meant to judge singers. Let people who are relevant to the field take that place. They should say, ‘If you want to include us, include us properly,’ and not just as a gimmick.”
Humaira acknowledged that celebrities often bring in sponsorships and attention, but urged them to decline judging roles they are not qualified for. “You’re insulting your own show,” she added.
She also questioned the credibility of such judges. “What happens when a contestant asks the judge to sing in tune, and the judge can’t respond? Will they say, ‘Give me two months to learn and then I’ll answer you?’”
Expressing her disappointment, Humaira recalled a moment from the show when a child’s off-key performance inexplicably moved a judge to tears. “It was funny, honestly,” she said.
She lamented the exclusion of true legends from such platforms, naming artists like Taranum Naz, Tasawur Khanum, Ghulam Ali, Saira Naseem, Shabnam Majeed, Saima Jahan, and Azra Jahan as those who rightfully deserve a seat at the judging table.
However, the singer seemed unaware that before becoming a megastar, Fawad Khan was an active part of Pakistan’s music scene. He was the lead vocalist of the band Entity Paradigm (EP), which rose to fame after appearing in the finale of Pepsi Battle of the Bands in 2002. Their debut album, Irtiqa, released in 2003, received critical acclaim and helped establish Khan as a music icon. The romantic track Rahguzar from the album became especially popular.
Entity Paradigm was formed through the merger of two well-known underground Lahore bands: Ahmed Ali Butt’s Entity and Fawad Khan’s Paradigm. Their collaboration on the Jutt and Bond title track led to the creation of the band, which went on to become a powerhouse in Pakistan’s rock music scene.
Though the band disbanded in 2007, they reunited in 2010 for Coke Studio Season 3, performing a cover of Sajjad Ali’s Bolo Bolo. Later that year, they released the single Shor Macha, which quickly became a hit. The song’s music video, directed by Bilal Lashari and featuring Khan, further cemented their legendary status.
According to Fawad Khan, he performed in nearly 250 live shows as a musician before leaving the band in 2012 to focus on his acting career. However, he has continued to make occasional musical appearances and has judged music shows, reminding audiences that his talent as a singer remains intact.
Read more: “He Was My Hero”: Humaira Arshad Remembers Her Late Father
