Pakistan Idol to return with a bang after 11 years with Fawad Khan in the judges’ seat

WEB DESK: Remember Pakistan Idol? In case you don’t, the famous Pakistani rendition of American Idol is now returning after more than a decade with a new panel of judges, including none other than actor and singer Fawad Khan.  It is being reported by Variety that he’ll be joined by Zeb Bangash, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and former Strings member Bilal Maqsood.

Pakistan Idol has been a reality singing competition based on the “Idol” franchise started by British entrepreneur Simon Fuller. It aired from December 2013 to April 2014 and had pop icons Ali Azmat, Hadiqa Kiani, and actress and singer Bushra Ansari as judges. Zamad Baig famous for his take on Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Kaali Kaali Zulfon’ won that season.

The show which aired on Geo Entertainment lasted merely for just one season. The production company MHL Global has now acquired the rights to Pakistan Idol from Fremantle to revive the singing competition series: “The program will feature a star-studded panel of judges, including Fawad Khan, singer Zeb Bangash, classical singer and qawwal Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Strings musician Bilal Maqsood. This revival marks an important return for the franchise, which last aired in 2014.”

According to the report, MHL Global has developed a wide distribution plan for the show’s reboot. It will be broadcast at the same time across five television networks, making this a first for any “Idol” franchise worldwide: “The company states that this multi-platform approach aims to engage different audiences across various regions and languages in Pakistan.”

Director of MHL Global, Zoya Merchant said that the launch represents “a cultural movement“: “Pakistan has incredible musical talent, and this platform will not only showcase it nationally but also promote it globally.”

The production will blend modern digital interaction with traditional television broadcasting while online auditions will start via the Begin platform, with in-person casting calls scheduled for major cities and non-urban areas: “Production is expected to begin later this year, while details about broadcast and premiere dates are yet to be announced.

Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback in trouble

Fawad Khan has been a crowd puller be it films, music or him just showing up somewhere. His popularity extends to India where his latest film Abir Gulaal slated to be released remains ‘unreleased’ following the escalation between both countries after Pahalgam incident.

Also as we take a walk down memory lane, one cannot forget Qandeel Baloch’s rise to fame which began with a controversial Pakistan Idol audition in 2013 that quickly went viral. Though dismissed by the judges, her emotional reaction sparked public interest. She later revealed the act was intentional, a way to break into the spotlight. That moment marked the start of her online persona, where she challenged social taboos and patriarchal norms. Her life came to a tragic end in 2016 when she was murdered by her brother in an ‘honour’ killing, a case that ignited national debate. Her story has since been portrayed in the TV drama Baaghi and the 2024 film Wakhri.

It would be interesting to see how the show is received now with social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram already giving space to artists, so till then we wait.