KARACHI: Actor and digital creator Khaqan Shahnawaz has sparked debate online after accusing Pakistani music legend Atif Aslam of copying social media content created by smaller influencers without giving proper credit.
Speaking on the Pakiavellian podcast, Khaqan discussed the evolving relationship between mainstream celebrities and online creators, expressing that originality and acknowledgment are crucial in the digital space.
“As a creator myself, I think it’s unfair not to credit the original work,” Khaqan said. “If he had made original content, I would have praised him for his creativity.”
Atif Aslam’s New Digital Presence Sparks Mixed Reactions
Atif Aslam, long revered for his soulful music and global appeal, recently surprised fans with a new social media persona. Over the past few months, the singer has been sharing lighthearted and humorous short videos on Instagram — a notable shift from his traditionally serious public image.
While the videos have attracted millions of views, Khaqan argued that many of them appeared to be inspired by existing creators, saying it would have been respectful to credit those who originally developed the ideas.
“It’s not about fame or competition,” Khaqan explained. “It’s about respecting creative work, no matter who made it. Even if you’re a star like Atif Aslam, giving credit costs nothing but means everything.”
Khaqan clarified that his remarks were not personal attacks but rather a critique of a broader trend where mainstream celebrities replicate viral formats pioneered by smaller creators, often without acknowledgment.
‘I Respect Atif, But Originality Matters’
Despite his criticism, Khaqan Shahnawaz emphasized that he holds deep respect for Atif Aslam as an artist and performer. He said that his intent was to highlight an important cultural issue — the invisible creative labor behind much of today’s viral content.
“I grew up listening to Atif Aslam. He’s a legend and deserves all the love he gets,” Khaqan said. “But as someone who has built a career through content creation, I also know how it feels when your ideas are replicated without credit.”
Celebrities in the Age of Digital Creativity
Atif Aslam’s foray into digital media reflects a growing trend of Pakistani celebrities embracing short-form content platforms to stay connected with younger audiences. While fans have largely welcomed this move, the debate over originality and ownership in the influencer era continues to intensify.
Social media users appear divided — some defending Atif’s creative freedom and others echoing Khaqan’s point about recognizing smaller creators who often struggle for visibility.
As of now, Atif Aslam has not responded publicly to Khaqan’s comments. However, the conversation underscores the challenges of navigating creative credit, collaboration, and authenticity in Pakistan’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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