Asif Akbar’s Candid Questions for Dhallywood’s Icons

The veteran musician Asif Akbar has long been celebrated—and occasionally critiqued—for his unflinching honesty. Known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, the "O Priya Tumi Kothay" singer recently made waves during an appearance on a private television talk show. During the candid interview, Asif revealed the pointed questions he would pose to the industry’s biggest titans, including Pori Moni, Shakib Khan, and the rock legend James.

A Plea for Pori Moni to "Settle Down"

When the conversation turned to the often-controversial actress Pori Moni, Asif’s tone was one of paternal concern mixed with a hint of exasperation. Characterising her as "whimsical," he expressed a desire to see more stability in her life.

"I want to ask her—when will you grant us relief? Please, just do something and settle down. Tell me how you plan to do it," Asif remarked.

Despite his critiques of her unpredictable nature, Asif was quick to praise her resilience, noting that her ability to remain cheerful and take life casually is a "wonderful trait" that he genuinely admires.

Critiquing the "King" of Dhallywood

Asif did not hold back when discussing the nation’s top matinee idol, Shakib Khan. His concerns were technical, focusing on the disconnect between the actor’s screen presence and his playback singing choices. Asif questioned why Shakib’s vocal tone in modern songs often sounds "thin or overly feminine," especially when compared to his deep dialogue delivery.

He reminded the audience of the golden era of playback, where legends like Andrew Kishore and Syed Abdul Hadi provided the voice for leading men. Asif challenged Shakib to consider if the current vocalists he lip-syncs to truly suit his persona, asking, "How are you actually enjoying this?"

Questions for the 'Nagar Baul'

Perhaps most surprising was Asif's address to the reclusive rock icon, James (Mahfuz Anam). Asif questioned why such a massive influential figure remains silent during national crises or movements concerning the welfare of fellow artists. He noted that while James is active on social media, he rarely speaks out on substantive issues, leaving a void where a leader’s voice should be.

Summary of Asif Akbar’s Industry Critiques

The Grammar of Music

Concluding his remarks, Asif emphasised that "playback has its own grammar." He urged modern artists to pay closer attention to the technicalities of their craft rather than just the glamour. His comments have sparked a wide-ranging debate across social media, with many praising his bravery and others defending the stars he scrutinised.