Khalid Malik, The Voice Of Morning Drives In Pakistan, Just Said Farewell To FM 89 And There Are SO MUCH Feels

By Haadia Paracha | 3 Feb, 2017

To many of us who aren’t early risers, the morning sets the tone for the rest of our day. For the past ten odd years, all my mornings began with Khalid’s voice on FM 89. I’ve always been a big radio listener and for as long as I remember, FM 89 has been my go-to channel through out the day. So imagine my heartache when Khalid announces after all these years of bringing smiles to everyone in Pakistan, that he’s bidding adieu to the show and the channel.

 

His parting speech was just like him; thoughtful, heartfelt and full of emotional hiccups.

Source: The News

Khalid was many things to many people. He was my morning pill, his chirpy voice and enthusiasm often led to me having to text him asking what is that he did that made him come on air so early in the morning, ready to conquer the world. I wrote to him once about this strange predicament and he replied, “Haadia, honestly, it’s people like you.”

I have never been so moved.

When birthdays were around the corner, I asked him to sing birthday songs for friends, for family and so he did. In Arabic, in Chinese, in Turkish, in Punjabi. My mum often scoffed at this, “kitna dramaybaaz hai yeh” but soon hopped on the bandwagon.

I listened to the show while sitting in the school bus with my headphones on, cramming for my business studies quiz. I texted answers to his silly questions, many times getting them wrong but hey, it was worth a shot. I’ve won movie tickets, meal vouchers and narrated funny memories from my childhood to him. For someone who doesn’t have much luck with competitions, I managed to bag quite a few treats courtesy of one Khalid Malik. I’ve stolen my playlists from him more than once (and sometimes, not even given him credit for it and passed it off as my superior taste in music, sorry Khalid). When the time came to introduce the gift of radio to my school going cousins, I did so without hesitation. In a world of aux cables and Bluetooth, they would listen to The Breakfast Show instead and it brought me so much joy. When our car radio was down for a week, they said they didn’t even feel like going to school anymore. They’re also too young to own cell phones so you can imagine their frustration.

 

He talked about many things in his farewell speech, one that would resonate with all of us.

“I never did it for the fame, I did it because I loved it and I love you. You who have been listening to me for the last ten years.”

Source: Khalid Malik Official Via: Facebook

His voice kept breaking throughout the big announcement, quivering at some parts as he pauses to recollect himself. It was an honest delivery, as it always has been. “I often get asked: how do you stay so chirpy and get up so early for however many years and the honest answer is YOU. You make my experience here enjoyable and it feels sometimes that you and I have made this show happen. And I feel like I’ve grown up with you as you have, too. And as you know, as you grow, you feel the need to explore new horizons because that is a part of growing up. And, at times, you need to make some tough decisions.”

 

I can tell you it’s been one of the most difficult decisions of my life, of my career.

“I know you have many questions and perhaps some day I’ll write a book and hopefully answers some of those questions but suffice to say that I needed to make some tough decisions as a part of my growing up. I am however embarking on something new and that will reveal itself soon.”

At this point, I was practically in shambles myself but he continues: “I will run into you and I hope you will say Hi! I hope you continue to write to me and support me in whatever I do and I hope to always respond to you as I have till now.”

 

So this isn’t a bye, maybe a “see you around”

Then, he continued saying he hates goodbyes but he’s going to be giving everyone a piece of advice. “For the men in particular, if you’re married and if things aren’t right with your wife, stop everything now and go to her and make things right. You need her more than you can imagine. She is your strength and pillar. Be committed to her. Make it right and you’ll find the energy that you’ve never tapped into before.

To the women, stand by your man. Even if he’s only changed a light bulb, make him feel like he’s just saved the entire world and watch him transform in front of your eyes.”

Source: Gourmet Khawateen

“To the girls who are in colleges, universities and in schools, you are beautiful, just the way you are. You don’t need to be anywhere for anybody.

To students who message me on a daily basis, that exam that is around the corner is minute in the scheme of things. Life would throw many exams at you. Be prepared for those and stand firm and ground.”

 

To everyone, don’t take yourselves so seriously.

Source: Khalid Malik Official Via: Facebook

What I liked most about Khalid was that he treated the listeners like family, often telling tales about his dingy old car and then, one day announcing that he’s finally gotten a new one. Recounting stories from his personal life he once, he opened up about a family feud that ensued because his younger brother wouldn’t marry their cousin. That moment humanized him, he made him all the more real. This one time, he started this series of calling up random unaware folks from all over the world and blurt out “I love you” after just some small talk. All this happening in real time, one was forced to imagine what their own response would be like. Would you swear and hang up? Would you blush and respond with an effortless, “I love you, too, you kind human from across the globe”?

Another thing that always struck a cord was how unapologetic he was about being well…so awaami. He sang along to sheila ki jawani and put on Justin Bieber songs on a loop. Ah, I wish I could be so completely detached with what others think of me the way you most obviously are.

Khalid, I want to wish you well. Sending lots and lots of love to your wife and daughters.

And I want you to know: I’ll be expecting that book.

 

Listen to his farewell speech here:

Don’t forget a box of tissues if you ever listened to Khalid during one of your morning drives.

 


Cover image via: tns.thenews.com.pk

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