Fatwas and decrees by religious people taking offence to the action of others have become commonplace. But what Singer Sonu Nigam did was certainly something straight out of the movies.
Sonu had earned the wrath of Syed Sha Atef Ali Al Quaderi, vice president, West Bengal Minority United Council, who issued a fatwa and announced a prize of 10 lakh rupees for any person who shaves the head of Sonu Nigam. Shaving off head of someone is seen as an act of humiliation in many parts of the country.
This was of course in reaction to Sonu Nigam’s tweets against early morning sounds of Azaan which are delivered on loudspeakers on Mosques. In a series of tweets he had decried the use of loudspeakers in religious places such as temples, mosques and gurudwaras, which caused much inconvenience to the people around. For this, he had been abused and trolled on Twitter.
But Sonu Nigam checkmated Quaderi by announcing that he will get his head shaved himself:
https://twitter.com/sonunigam/status/854548450548908032
The singer has also held a press conference where he explained the rationale behind his tweets. Later he emerged with a bald head:
https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/854626620249972736
This bold move by Sonu Nigam earned him plaudits on social media. Many also felt this was an easy method of earning a quick buck, in this case Rs 10 lakhs.
https://twitter.com/ashwinmushran/status/854638215042650112
https://twitter.com/ramana1729/status/854632345600757760
However, Quaderi might not pay anything because he wanted more than just shaving off the head:
“If anyone can shave his hair, put a garland of old torn shoes around his neck and tour him around the country I personally announce an award of Rs 10 lakh for that person,”
Bad luck Sonu, you did not read the fine print, but at least you made a point. And that haircut will surely beat the heat!