A rickshaw driver from Karachi is making waves with his singing skills. A clip of the man, Qasim Ali singing Mehdi Hassan’s timeless classics has gone viral. Behind his soulful voice and melody, lies a heartbreaking story of unrealized potential and shattered dreams.
This auto rickshaw driver in Karachi is an amazing talent, spotted him singing Mehdi Hassan’s songs at a stop. Qasim Ali says he wanted to be a classical singer but poverty shattered his dreams and he’s forced to drive rickshaw to earn his bread and butter. pic.twitter.com/6U1vdZn13d
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) November 2, 2019
Qasim Ali wanted to be a classical singer. But unfortunately, poverty held him back and he had to give up his dreams to earn a living. That’s how he end up being a rickshaw driver.
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Netizens are surprised how good this rickshaw driver’s singing is
Tweeple took note of how this incredibly talented man didn’t miss a note, even without any formal training in classical singing!
https://twitter.com/KunalHasArrived/status/1190740025454911488
He is singing better than many renowned singers; clear, smooth, orchestral, and soft voice.
— شاہین یا کرگس (@StolenKarachi) November 2, 2019
The sad reality though is that given how Lollywood usually operates, a man with his background is not likely to be given a chance. Nor are there any American Idol-type competitions which could unearth talents like these in Pakistan.
His dreams didnot shatter due to poverty. Financial crisis could not change his voice. Rather nepotism is a curse which keeps talent at distance.
— Ahmed Khoso (@ahmed_khoso93) November 2, 2019
رکشے والا اوپر سے کراچی والا قدر مشکل ہی کرے گا کوئی 😊
— Noman Khan (@dtnoorkhan) November 3, 2019
We often forget how socio-economic opportunities determine how far people get in life. Netizens demand that Qasim Ali should be given a chance. Better late than never.
Let us not blame poverty but a society they has regulated away opportunity. When will we understand?
— Nadeem Haque (@nadeemhaque) November 3, 2019
Some people brought up how we lack an appreciation for culture and art in general as a society. Which is something we can’t deny, given the deaths of legends like Nisar Nasik and Matloob-ur-Rehman.
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Then there are also cases where legendary artists suffered financially in their later years (like Mehdi Hassan himself).
Pakistan has no mechanism of looking after it’s artistic legends. A platform for emerging talent seems like a far cry.
Mugahllia door mai ghazal ganay walay artist ko King apnay sath bitthaata tha.
Kala khail hunar maharat in sub cheezon ki jis qaum mai qadar nahi wo is dunya mai rahnay k layaq hi nahi
— ≼∜Alexaℕdeℝ≽🎶 (@R3dGreenWhite) November 2, 2019
Mehdi Hassan worked as a motor mechanic though
— arif lodhi (@arifjamallodhi) November 2, 2019
Folks on social media are of the view that Lollywood should do something to further this man’s singing career.
@cokestudio i have something to show you.
This is amazing,please have him on your show.— Emaad (@Show_Shah) November 2, 2019
Get him to feature on @geopakistantv
with @humaamirshah & @abdullahsultan— Maheen Usmani (@MaheenUsmani) November 3, 2019
@AliZafarsays plz also give him a chance as u gave to arooj
— Abrar Ahmed🇵🇰 (@AbrarAh76178139) November 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/Dreamy_Zoella/status/1190896653756194817
@itsaadee sir, @rohailhyatt sir, @stringsonline, @cokestudio @alisethimusic @hamzasays @MominaMustehsan @RFAKWorld @PTVNewsOfficial @HarPalGeoTv @Humtvnetwork @FarahSaadya @faysalquraishi @muniba_mazari @HaroonsMusic its a request please give chance to this man once.
— Bilawal Sarwar (@BigBroBHA) November 3, 2019
Plenty of people asserted they’d do what they can to help.
Send me his number, let me refer him to some channels and their morning shows. Beautiful vocals!
— Zain Khan (@ZKhanOfficial) November 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/SMahmoodKazmi/status/1190940377643134981
Faizan Can you please inbox me his contact details, We would love to hire him at our restaurant.
— Muneeb Bilal (@MuneebBilal) November 3, 2019
It’s great to see netizens trying to help this talented rickshaw driver in their own capacity. Though in the long run, there’s no escaping the fact that Pakistan doesn’t really have a mechanism or a platform to bring forth emerging talent.
It should take more than just having connections or being in a showbiz family to have a shot at superstardom. Its high time Pakistan changes things for the better for people like Qasim Ali.
Extremely
Heart tuchining voice
Love u brother
!
We are supporting
You
All Pakistani Nations
God blessing you
Dear greatest brother