As Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) held a rally last week, almost everyone forgot about the performing artist, Allah Rakha Panipuri.
While it was originally Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), that started the trend of party anthems and bringing artists to rallies, it’s become mainstream now. So, when PML-N held a show of strength at Lahore’s Liberty Chowk, they invited Allah Rakha Panipuri.
The rally was organized for PML-N supporters to show solidarity with Hamza Shehbaz after his position as the chief minister of Punjab has come into question yet again. As Allah Rakha Panipuri performed for the supporters, he was caught in the crossfire as Netizens trolled the whole event.
He virtually became a laughing stock as the video went viral. That’s when another video went viral of the teary-eyed artist reeling from all the hurtful comments online. As the second video went viral someone called on PTI to show support for Allah Rakha Panipuri.
Hey @PTIofficial
I don't know if it's possible. Allah Rakha Pepsi is an amazing artist and understands he was ridiculed due to part of PMLN show in Liberty. If you give him a fan moment, it will be helpful. These artists need recognition.@agentjay2009
🙏https://t.co/6i1ci3iuJN— Soulmate (@RebelPakistani) July 27, 2022
So what did the political party do? The PTI official Twitter extended support to the artist.
“Allah Rakha Sb, you are a great artist and earn an honest living” the official handle of the party tweeted.
While PTI was initially trolled by the opposition for its interest in artists and the practice of giving them center stage at rallies, this has somewhat become common practice. Unfortunately, as the practice caught on, the essence of the practice remains lost on others. Appreciating art and artists.
“We wish you all the best! Raising awareness for your real account @AR_Panipuri so that imposters don’t take advantage.”
Allah Rakha Sb,
You are a great artist and earn an honest living. We wish you all the best! Raising awareness for your real account @AR_Panipuri so that imposters don't take advantage. https://t.co/PU65UlqvAE— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 28, 2022
After this, many social media users also shared messages of encouragement for the artist.
Allah Rakha Pepsi specifically told that he has no affiliation with any party .
He did well everyone has to do well to feed kids.
I am proud of his performance.
Don't link him with PMLN faces he is way better than these thugs.— Data Analytics (@ShehzadBot174) July 25, 2022
Allah Rakha Pepsi was smarter than each of the NOON tunes. pic.twitter.com/ldNnVX1cPu
— Dr. Syeda Abiha Fatimah Shah 🪄🌹✨❤️🌙 (@DivineBows) July 25, 2022
Netizens genuinely appreciated his craft. As well as his performance at the rally.
https://twitter.com/maqb00lahmad/status/1551651882325655552
Allah Rakha Pepsi Pani-Puri is a talented artist. I think it is safe to say that he was the star of today's show. pic.twitter.com/1n80vRtSzh
— Sikander F. Bhadera (@SikanderFayyaz) July 23, 2022
Some people even found his YouTube channel and advocated for raising support for him there.
Friends , pls support Mr Allah Rakha Pepsi Urf Paani Puri by promoting his channel / avant garde mash-ups https://t.co/UMsnVIdIQD
— Salman Ahmad (@sufisal) July 27, 2022
Then there were those that made a point to educate others about the artist.
People are inquiring who was the person performing at PML-N Jalsa at Liberty.
He is comedian Allah Rakha Pepsi and this is his famous item namely“ Pakistani Micheal Jackson”.#LibertyChowk pic.twitter.com/UHVCBjkpGk
— Ahmer Najeeb Satti (@AhmerNajeeb) July 23, 2022
https://twitter.com/Fintech_pk/status/1551880215940546561
Even some apologies were extended.
I am so sorry if i ever hurt you Allah Rakha Pepsi sb, you are a living legend playing in the hands of idiots.
— AeyQue (@AQadeerAmjad) July 27, 2022
Does this warm your heart or do you think more needs to be done for highlighting the need to appreciate artists? Let us know in the comments below.
