The legendary singer Asif Akbar, a man whose reputation for being fiercely outspoken precedes him, has once again sparked a national conversation. During a recent guest appearance on a private television programme, the “Prince of Music” did not hold back, directing a series of blunt, soul-searching questions toward three of the biggest names in Bangladeshi entertainment: Pori Moni, Shakib Khan, and James.
Table of Contents
A Blunt Inquiry for Pori Moni
Asif’s comments regarding the sensational actress Pori Moni were a blend of elder-brotherly concern and stark realism. Characterising her as “whimsical” and unpredictable, he questioned when the actress would finally find a sense of permanence in her life.
“I want to ask her directly—when will you grant us relief?” Asif remarked during the broadcast. “You need to do something, settle down, and tell me exactly how you intend to do it.” Despite the sharp nature of his inquiry, he lauded her temperament, noting that her ability to remain unfazed and “always cheerful” is a quality he finds truly admirable in a high-pressure industry.
Questioning the “King’s” Musical Choices
Asif then turned his sights on the Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan, specifically focusing on the artistic integrity of his playback songs. He pointed out a peculiar dissonance: while Shakib’s spoken dialogues are powerful, the singing voices he lip-syncs to often sound “thin or feminine.”
Asif challenged the actor’s aesthetic choices, asking:
“Where legends like Andrew Kishore, Milu, and Syed Abdul Hadi once lent their voices, you are now matching your lips to tones that simply do not suit you. How are you actually enjoying this process?”
Calling Out the “Nagar Baul”
Perhaps the most significant critique was aimed at the reclusive rock icon James. Asif expressed frustration over the legendary singer’s perceived silence during times of national importance or professional crisis within the arts community.
| Icon Targeted | Key Issue Raised | Asif’s Perspective |
| Pori Moni | Personal Volatility | Needs to “settle down” for her own and the public’s sake. |
| Shakib Khan | Playback Mismatch | Modern vocal tones do not align with his masculine screen persona. |
| James | Social Silence | An artist of his stature should speak up during national movements. |
Asif noted that while James is active on social media, he rarely uses his immense influence to advocate for the rights of fellow artists or to address the country’s socio-political struggles. “Nothing ever comes out of your mouth regarding these crises,” Asif stated, demanding to know why such a powerful voice remains silent when the nation needs it most.
A Call for Artistic Standards
Concluding his segment, Asif emphasised that “playback has its own grammar,” urging actors and singers to respect the technical traditions of the craft. His remarks have split public opinion, with many applauding his courage to speak “uncomfortable truths” while others defend the right of these icons to handle their careers as they see fit.