Aalim Hakim: In my son's birth certificate, I wrote humanity as the religion

Since Wednesday, celebrity hair stylist, Aalim Hakim’s Facebook page has been flooded with reactions for supporting Sonu Nigam and shaving his head [after being challenged by a Maulavi]. While some supported Aalim, many lashed out at him for his actions. But Aalim remains unperturbed and feels that as an individual, one should do what he believes is right, and not think how others will react, as ‘it’s not possible to satisfy everyone’.

“Sonu chose the right way to give it back to all the negativity [around him] without abusing anyone or getting aggressive. He was sad that people failed to understand that he was not against any [one] religion, but against the use of loudspeakers and activities that people practice in the name of religion that create problems for others. I think our present generation should take a lesson from him,” says Aalim.

Ask him if he’s getting the backlash because of the fact that he himself is a Muslim and yet supported Sonu, Aalim says, “I have 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, then follow the legal procedure. It’s ridiculous how he (Quaderi) even offered an amount [to Sonu for shaving his head].”

Aalim further adds that the only religion he believes in is humanity. He even shared an anecdote about his son’s birthday certificate. “I don’t get carried away by emotions. When Sky [his 10-month-old son] was born, I wrote humanity as the religion in his birth certificate. Even people at BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) clapped at my guts to do it. I have also not given him any surname. When he grows up, let him decide what he wants to do. My wife (Shano Hanspal) is a Sikh, and she also didn’t convert to my religion. I want to ask—are you born with any religion? No. Right? Then why do we become one because of the family we are born to. Why give religion more importance than humanity?” asks Aalim.

On Wednesday, Sonu took a bold step to tonsure, reacting positively to the fatwa that was issued against him by West Bengal based Maulavi Syed Sha Atef Ali Al Quaderi. The Maulavi offered a reward of Rs 10 lakh to anyone who would shave Sonu’s head and “put a garland of old torn shoes around his neck and tour him around the country”, following his tweets against the practice of using loudspeakers for azaan (call for prayers).

However, when HT contacted Noor-ur-Rehman Barkati, the imam of Kolkata’s Tipu Sultan Mosque, regarding the fatwa, Barkati aka Fatwa Imam, [known for his edicts against political leaders and authors], said that it was not a not a fatwa as such, but Al Quaderi’s opinion.

Meanwhile, in support of Sonu Nigam

Vivek Agnihotri, filmmaker: Fatwa is dramabaazi. We can’t live in this country feeling scared of fatwas and Maulavis. Going bald is a bold step [by Sonu] and I hope it gives out a strong message. I’ve been running this campaign against loudspeakers for one year, so I completely agree with Sonu’s intentions.

Hansal Mehta, filmmaker: I am in agreement with the fact that loudspeakers in public should be banned. I don’t think Sonu meant anything else, but this. Why should people be disturbed? I always take a secular stand.