Legendary Pakistani folk singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi’s journey to success was filled with challenges, one of which was the fact that his family was against his singing career.
Speaking at a press conference in London on Tuesday, he revealed that his family, especially extended family, was against his career. “My entire family opposed my singing, especially relatives who now take pride in my achievements and say that I am their cousin.”
The Kameez Kali singer recalled that his father would punish him for singing. “My father used to punish me, but my mother later told me he secretly listened to my songs.”
The singer also announced plans to soon release a new song in Pashto. Reflecting on the milestones of his career, Attaullah shared a touching practice that he has adopted. “Whenever I see my picture on the back of a truck, I stop and embrace the driver,” he said in reference to the widespread use of his portraits in Pakistani truck art.
Attaullah also acknowledged the role of social media in helping new singers showcase their talent. He said that platforms like these made it easier for budding artists to reach a global audience, something which wasn’t available when he first started.
Earlier, legendary singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi was invited as a guest on Hafiz Ahmed’s podcast where he talked about his five marriages for the first time.
“My first four wives told me they couldn’t spend time with me and couldn’t manage living with me, so they left me. That’s why I had to marry a fifth time.”
During the podcast he said, “I drove a taxi before becoming a singer. My father was against my singing career, so I had to do various jobs to make ends meet. Even after I became a singer, my father never listened to my songs and wasn’t happy about it. But my mother would tell me that he would listen to my songs when I wasn’t around.”
Talking about the founder of PTI, Imran Khan, the Idher Zindagi ka Janaza uth aay ga singer said, “I’ve had a long-standing relationship with Imran Khan – we’re from the same family and area. I travelled with him to raise funds for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital.”
Attaullah Khan sings his iconic songs like, Dhar Zindagi Ka Janaza Uthay Ga, Bedardi Se Pyar and Te Sohnay Phullan Wali.
