Drunk-Driving Killed the Legend
Ahmad Zahir: Creativity and Carelessness Fueled by Alcohol
I recently read Suhrab Sirat’s eloquent BBC article on the legendary Ahmad Zahir. While it’s a great piece, I found it odd that Suhrab never mentions Zahir’s drinking habits. Maybe it’s out of respect or cultural sensitivity, but by ignoring this, we miss a significant part of his story. It’s time we talk about it openly and honestly.
Did Zahir have a drinking problem?
It goes without saying that Ahmad Zahir was a man who lived life to the fullest. He was more than just a singer. He was a cultural icon, a musical genius. His songs are still played at every Afghan gathering, and his influence transcends generations. But let’s be honest. He had a serious love affair with alcohol.
There are countless photos of him with a glass of whiskey or a bottle of vodka in his hand. Zahir’s drinking wasn’t a secret; it was just a part of who he was.
On the day he died, he and his friends were drinking, and the driver was drunk. It’s a simple, tragic fact: drunk-driving killed Ahmad Zahir. No need for conspiracy theories or dramatic speculations.
So, why don’t we talk about it? Why is this crucial aspect of his life often glossed over?
Don’t get me wrong, I love Zahir’s music. I think he was an incredible talent, way ahead of his time. But we can’t ignore the fact that he had a drinking problem. By acknowledging this, we can appreciate him as a whole person, not just the parts we like.
That fateful day
On that fateful day, Ahmad Zahir and his friends decided to escape the hustle and bustle of Kabul. Their destination was Qargha, a popular spot for relaxation and picnics. It was supposed to be a fun, carefree day with friends, music, and, of course, drinks. They got drunk, as they often did, enjoying each other’s company and the respite from the city.
As the day progressed, they decided to go for a drive outside of Kabul, away from the prying eyes of the public. This decision would prove to be fatal. They set off on the highway, heading towards the Salang Tunnel, a route infamous for its treacherous conditions. Ahmad Zahir was in the backseat, without a seatbelt – a careless habit that highlighted his disregard for safety measures.
The driver, one of Zahir’s friends, was drunk. Driving under the influence is a gamble with fate, and this time, it resulted in a tragic loss. As they neared the Salang Tunnel, the car lost control. The laws of nature are unforgiving, and gravity showed no mercy. The vehicle crashed just before entering the tunnel, a catastrophic accident that claimed the life of Afghanistan’s most beloved singer.
Ahmad Zahir’s music might have been immortal, but he was not. This incident underscores a harsh reality: no amount of talent or fame can shield someone from the consequences of reckless behavior. His refusal to wear a seatbelt, combined with his friend’s drunk driving, was a fatal flaw – a reminder that even legends are not invincible.
The day Ahmad Zahir died, the world lost an extraordinary talent. But it wasn’t a mystery or a grand conspiracy that took him from us. It was a series of careless decisions – drinking too much, getting into a car with a drunk driver, and neglecting to wear a seatbelt. These are simple, avoidable mistakes that led to a tragic end.
Ahmad Zahir’s legacy lives on through his music, but his death serves as a poignant lesson. It’s a reminder that while his songs may be timeless, life itself is fragile.
Vanity and a sense of invincibility can be our greatest downfalls. For Zahir, these were the fatal flaws that led to his untimely demise.
Ahmad Zahir’s life, his immense creativity and tragic recklessness, teaches us to cherish our talents and passions while remembering the importance of responsibility and the sobering reality that even the brightest stars can fall if they ignore life’s basic rules.
This is your opinion and it is far from the truth. I am with Ahmad Zahir's close friends, including respected Khalil Ragheb, who was Ahmad Zahir's jazz musician, as well as Ahmed Zahir's sister. All his friends say that his death was an organized conspiracy and no one should hide the truth. When the dead body of Ahmed Zahir was brought to their house, the father of Ahmed Zahir, who was a government official at that time, said to one of his friends who was a surgeon, "Did my son die in a traffic accident? I want to know the truth." The doctor at that time answered, yes, there is a deep hole in Ahmed's forehead, and he was killed by a bullet. Bruises were still visible on his body, as if he was tortured a lot, then he was killed by a bullet. It is true that Ahmad Zahir drinks and this is an obvious fact, but his death was a conspiracy and please tell the truth. The eyewitnesses to his death were two daughters and a gentleman, Shahnaz and Shakila, and Mahbubullah Padshah, who had family relations with Ahmad Zahir's brother.