Selfies are becoming increasingly controversial with time. Gone are the days when the Ellen Page’s Oscar selfie led to an outpour of love and warmth with Internet trolls going ‘awww’… Now, a selfie is more likely to deem you an outcast than an idol (read: Rihanna’s selfie with Slow Loris – the protected species from South Asia).
Selfies are becoming increasingly controversial with time. Gone are the days 
when the Ellen Page’s Oscar selfie led to an outpour of love and warmth with Internet trolls going ‘awww’… Now, a selfie is more likely to deem you an outcast than an idol (read: Rihanna’s selfie with Slow Loris – the protected species from South Asia). Joining this list is our very own Komal Rizvi who recently shared a selfie with Pakistan’s legendary philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi. Seems fine right? Only until you find out that Edhi sahab was lying on the hospital bed post dialysis.
Naturally this led to some bad publicity for the singer who looked far more cheerful in the picture than Edhi sahab – probably in a lot of pain given the state of his condition. While Komal expressed sorrow over Edhi sahab’s health in her status, fans barely felt that coming across from her cheery smile in the picture. “That big smile on your face clearly shows that you were not in tension while meeting him on the hospital bed. You just wanted to show that you met him. Really, shame on you and also shame on other people like you…” commented a disgruntled fan underneath the picture. “What was the purpose of taking selfies with them who are in trouble ... seriously humanity doesn’t allow that,” wrote another.
One would then expect Komal to take it down however, despite widespread bashing the singer reposted the pictures saying it was an honourable moment for her and she couldn’t be happier. “I share this personal visit with you and the conversations we had briefly because I believe that my selfie with Edhi sahab is possibly the greatest and best selfie I have ever taken. I love it! I will print it and frame it because I am extremely excited, like a little kid, about it,” she wrote on her page in what can be called an open letter to all those who had been posting negative comments. “I am reposting it again because I don’t think anyone else in Pakistan has a greater selfie than this. Both Edhi sahab and I were happy taking it. We were laughing and joking and singing and talking about other celebrity visits and how I can possibly participate in the future with their foundation. I am also extremely disappointed with how nasty, negative, and lazy and hypocritical some people in Pakistan are.
To take such an innocent and beautiful thing and turn it into something ugly.” All we can say is that everybody has a right to an opinion and we wish Edhi sahab a speedy recovery and good health!
Fariha Pervez gives voice to Bulleh Shah’s poetry
Fariha Parvez is a rare breed – a female singer in Pakistan who hasn’t gone off the radar since her debut and has consistently released albums and songs over the years. Her latest offering has the songstress taking on the verses of Sufi poet Bulleh Shah in a single that is almost devotional in nature. Titled ‘Makkay Gayyan’, the kalaam, which was also turned into a famous qawwali by the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, features Fariha’s strong vocals with barely a hint of background music.
An apt single to be released during the holy month, when people often forget that the spirit of Ramzan is about purity and simplicity rather than overt, in-your-face gestures of self-righteousness, ‘Makkay Gayyan’ talks about finding faith beyond rituals. The stark video, shot in black and white, carries English subtitles, making the Punjabi words of the beautiful verses more accessible to those who might have struggled to understand them otherwise. It’s great to see Fariha back in action, and we hope to hear more from her in the coming months.
