RAWALPINDI: In a recent exchange of opinions regarding the Pakistan Idol judging panel, Tinak Dhin famed singer Waqar Ehsin has come to the defense of actor and musician Fawad Khan, countering comments made by fellow artist Humaira Arshad.
Humaira Arshad had raised concerns over Khan’s role as a judge, questioning his qualifications for evaluating singers in a show that is often associated with classical music traditions.
Waqar Ehsin, however, strongly disagrees with Arshad’s criticism, offering a broader perspective on the nature of Pakistan Idol as a platform designed to discover versatile talent. In his response, Waqar stated, “The show is not solely a classical music competition. It’s about finding the best and most adaptable voices—singers who can perform across different styles and genres. Contestants learn, grow, and refine their craft through feedback from a diverse panel of judges, and that diversity is key.”
Waqar Ehsin went on to highlight that Pakistan Idol is not limited to classical music, but instead reflects a broad range of musical influences, including pop, rock, semi-classical, and more. He pointed out that the show’s success is partly due to its ability to bring together judges from various musical backgrounds, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation process.
Furthermore, Waqar Ehsin specifically addressed Fawad Khan’s qualifications for his role as a judge, referencing Khan’s experience as the lead vocalist of the popular rock band EP (Entity Paradigm). The band’s victory in the prestigious Pepsi Battle of the Bands competition, Ehsin noted, underscored Khan’s deep musical roots and his expertise in the industry. “Fawad has a strong musical foundation that adds real value to the panel. His involvement ensures the show remains comprehensive and capable of identifying an all-around artist,” Ehsin explained.
Fawad Khan, whose fame spans both acting and music, has been a part of *Pakistan Idol*’s judging panel for several seasons, offering contestants his insights on performance, stage presence, and overall artistry. His dual experience in both music and entertainment makes him a unique addition to the show, with a perspective that extends beyond traditional music theory.
Despite some criticisms, Waqar Ehsin’s defense emphasizes that Pakistan Idol should be viewed as a versatile platform where contestants are nurtured across various musical genres. Ehsin’s comments add to the ongoing conversation about the evolving nature of music competitions in Pakistan and the need for diverse representation within the judging panels.
Waqar Ehsin is a talented singer-songwriter, composer, and music producer from Pakistan, with a deep musical legacy as the grandson of ghazal singer Ejaz Hussain Hazervi. Starting his music journey at age 10 under his father’s guidance, he began his professional career at 25. Known for his exploration of diverse music styles, Waqar has released several singles and made a notable debut on Coke Studio. His performance in 2018, alongside Ali Hamza and Ali Sethi, earned him the title of ‘Singer of the Year’ at the Lux Style Awards for their hit Tinak Dhin.
