Pakistani official's 'corona-rehash' of Shah Rukh song goes viral

AFTER an Indian minister’s ‘Go, Corona’ chant went viral recently, a Pakistani official’s corona-rehash of a popular Shah Rukh Khan song is trending online.

Naveed Shahzad, the deputy commissioner of Hafizabad, has rendered an impressive ‘coronavirus version’ of chartbuster track Suno Na Suno Na from King Khan’s 2003 film Chalte Chalte.

The video of Shahzad singing the song started trending after Pakistani journalist Ansar Abbasi shared it via Twitter, with the caption: “In a unique fashion, the Deputy Commissioner Hafizabad Naveed Shahzad delivers public service message on coronavirus.”

“Daro na daro na, daro na, corona se milke sab lado na, bar bar hanton ko dhona... (Don’t be scared, let’s unite and fight corona, keep washing your hands...),” croons the officials.

The rehash, aimed at spread awareness on containing the pandemic, was well-received by social media.

The rough translation of the lyrics read: “Do not gather in crowded places

Do not hug, shake hands. Greet from a distance

Don't panic, unite and fight corona

Wash hands regularly

Eat abundantly, don't panic

Don't stockpile essentials

We just want to say, don't panic

Unite and fight corona…”

As the song received nearly 200,000 views, a tweeter said, “Now, that's the Coronavirus Anthem we needed.”

While some observers praised Shahzad’s musical capabilities, others noted that this was an example of art and music transcending borders, especially in times of a global crisis.

Pakistan’s confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 501 by Saturday morning (21), with four deaths being reported.

Globally, there were at least 277,170 confirmed cases, 11,431 deaths, and 91,989 recovered patients.