Pakistani singer Atif snubs Emraan Hashmi

By: Upala KBR, Mid-Day
Wednesday, September 26, 2007

We have read about Pakistani singer Atif Aslam"s infamous rivalry with singer Mustafa Zahid, but few know that it has spilled over to Pakistan"s newest heartthrob, Emraan Hashmi.

Says a source, “Recently, on Nadia Khan"s popular breakfast show on Geo TV, Atif was asked if Bollywood film offers meant he would become as big as Emraan Hashmi. Atif laughed and replied, 'Ek achha replacement toh soch liya hota na? Kara di na mera chutti (by comparing me to Emraan)!"

Attitude problem

The singer, who got his first break in B-Town with Vishesh Films" Zeher (the song Woh Lamhe became an instant chartbuster and catapulted him to big-ticket fame), has been known to shoot his mouth off and create problems with his mentors.

The source says, “In the past, the Bhatts got upset when Atif"s manager asked for royalties for the song after it became popular. They were really ticked off by his attitude. Today, they are promoting another Pakistani singer, Mustafa Zahid. Atif hasn"t sung for Bhatts" since their last release, Aawarapan."

While Emraan refuses to comment on Atif"s snide remark, uncle Mahesh Bhatt comes to his defense, saying, “To me, the Indo-Pak peace building is more important than personal egos. Atif is trying to say is that he is a cat"s whisker and Emraan is not a worthy contender, but it speaks volumes of Emraan"s popularity in Pakistan after Aawarapan"s release. He is a force to reckon with there."

Inflated ego

Bhatt adds that Atif"s attitude reeks of double standards and hypocrisy. “Atif is trying to convey that we don"t mind coming to your country and replacing your stars, but we don"t want you to occupy our public domain. There"s no gratitude in showbiz, but if Atif said what he did then it"s very sad. Instead of appreciating Emraan in his country, he"s downplaying him. I dare anybody to match Emraan"s performance in Aawarapan. He was spectacular in it, so I can understand why Atif is feeling threatened," says Bhatt.

On another note, there"s more controversy brewing between Atif and Mustafa in Pakistan. Says a source, “Both have a rock concert coming up in Lahore after Ramzan, and it seems to be a head-on collision. Also, music companies want to sign Mustafa for an album so that could be another reason for Atif"s growing insecurity."

When we get through to Mustafa in Lahore, he sounds uncomfortable about reacting to the issue. “I have no issues with Atif," he says. “You"ll have to check with him for his side of the story."

Atif Aslam remained unavailable for comment.