‘I wrote humanity for my son’s religion’

Celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim, who supported Sonu Nigam’s stance by shaving the singer’s head, feels that the youth should take a lesson from him

Sonu chose the right way to give it back to all the negativity [around him] without being abusive or aggressive AALIM HAKIM, HAIR STYLIST

Since Wednesday, celebrity hair stylist, Aalim Hakim’s (right) social media page has been flooded with reactions for supporting Sonu Nigam and shaving his head [after being challenged by a Maulavi]. While some supported him, many lashed out at him for his actions. But Aalim remains unperturbed and feels that it’s impossible to satisfy everyone.

“Sonu chose the right way to give it back to all the negativity [around him] without being abusive or aggressive. People failed to understand that he was not against any religion, but against the use of loudspeakers. I think our generation should take a lesson from him,” says Aalim.

Recently, Sonu Nigam wrote a series of tweets that questioned the need for mosques in India to use a loudspeaker while calling out for daily prayers (Azaan) to devotees. Ask him if he’s getting the backlash because he himself is Muslim and has supported Sonu, he says, “I’ve my own opinion and it’s not governed by any religion. I know I’m right, so backlash doesn’t bother me. Nobody can issue a fatwa [like this]. No one is above the law. If you think someone is wrong, follow the legal procedure. It’s ridiculous how he (Quaderi) even offered an amount [to Sonu for shaving his head].”

Aalim believes in humanity. Sharing an anecdote behind his son’s birthday certificate, he says, “When Sky [his 10-month-old son] was born, I wrote humanity as the religion in his birth certificate. My wife (Shano Hanspal) is Sikh, and she didn’t convert to my religion.”