In a brief interview with Bobby Friction, the singer-songwriter points out contradictions in the patriarchal Pakistani society.
With a remarkable resemblance in voice and tone to the late Nazia Hassan, singer-songwriter Alycia Dias is not a name to be dismissed easily. With several songs to her credit including high profile drama serial OSTs, collaborations on Coke Studio and Cornetto Pop Rock as well as original songs like ‘Tu Mera Nahi’, which is her latest release, Dias is incredibly talented.
In an interview with BBC Asian Network’s Bobby Friction, Alycia Dias spoke her mind and pointed out contradictions that reside in the Pakistani society today and the hostile response women get for being in videos.
Bobby Friction of BBC Asian Network, described her as “one of the country’s most exciting singers” and she noted, “You know there are a lot of people who don’t want their daughters to get into the music scene or the media scene but they enjoy listening to our songs and watching us.”
Dias added: “I feel it’s much – compared to the last 15 years – better. Like there are a lot of people who are accepting it - not the way they should – but there are a lot of parents who are accepting it and encouraging their kids into whatever, to take part in music.”
As for how people perceive Alycia Dias, according to her, “There are a lot of people who look at me with respect and then there are a lot of people who don’t and that’s completely fine. There will be people who don’t like you.”
She went onto add that female actresses are being bashed right now on social media.
“I see so many negative comments and all of them are like it’s haraam, etc. I personally feel that people should understand that you are watching Indian movies, you are watching other movies where people wear short clothes and kissing scenes, adult scenes whatsoever, you are watching porn.”
Dias added that at that point you don’t see if she is somebody’s daughter. “At the same time, what you’re doing is you’re abusing and using foul language on Instagram. I mean, how is that not a sin or haram? I feel that people should grow out of it and the only way they can is by having an open mind about things.”
Dias isn’t wrong. Tolerance for women in films, or music videos certainly is needed; trolling artists online based on their clothing, dancing and appearances on any public stage is not.
– With information from BBC Asian Network
