Atif Aslam criticised for adopting GenZ trends

Pakistan’s beloved music icon Atif Aslam is facing a wave of unsolicited career advice—this time, not from fans, but from industry heavyweights.

Entertainment writer Sadiq Saleem, joined by several media personalities, has penned an open appeal to the “Tera Hone Laga Hoon” hitmaker, urging him to step away from TikTok and Instagram reels that they deem “awkward” and “beneath his stature.”

In a candid social media post, Saleem called out the disconnect between Aslam’s musical legacy and his recent foray into viral trends. “Dear Atif, you’re too iconic for this reel madness,” he wrote. “Your cringe-y TikTok videos don’t align with the superstar we know. Let your music speak, not forced trends.”

Saleem argued that Aslam’s attempts to cater to Gen Z—through scripted dances and meme-style clips—are overshadowing the raw artistry that made him a household name. “Share your real world, your experiences, your soul—not staged reels. That’s what your fans truly crave,” he added.

The post struck a chord with many of Aslam’s longtime followers. “We fell in love with the guy who sang ‘Woh Lamhe’ with his eyes closed, not someone chasing TikTok fame,” commented one user. Others echoed Saleem’s sentiment, insisting the singer’s “classic aura” feels diluted by contrived content.

Yet, not all agree. A younger faction defends Aslam’s right to evolve: “Artists adapt—if he wants to vibe with trends, let him!”

The criticism taps into a broader conversation about how legacy artists navigate the social media age. While platforms like TikTok offer visibility, they often demand a trade-off: authenticity for algorithm-friendly virality. For icons like Aslam, whose soulful voice defined a generation, the pressure to “stay relevant” risks clashing with the very mystique that made them iconic.