There is definitely some luck attached to having Khan as a surname. While Bollywood still boasts about its irreplaceable Khan trio, a new Khan from Lahore has risen to fame in India and is successfully holding up the prestige attached to his name.
Fawad Khan, who first established himself as a much-loved actor in his home country has won a huge fan following in the neighbouring nation. Not behind is Mahira Khan, his ex-co-star, who is set to make her debut this year in a Shahrukh Khan movie.
It goes without saying that there are high hopes attached to her starstruck jumpstart in Bollywood career.
However, the talk of the town is yet another Khan originating from Pakistan, who has recently made history by claiming the title of the first Muslim Mayor of London. There is no doubt that Sadiq Khan’s mayoral victory in London has brought a lot of pride to Pakistanis internationally. For Pakistanis settled abroad, his victory has proved to be a breath of fresh air, bringing the country’s name to the forefront in a positive light for a change.
His success recognises that the Pakistani third generation is now an integral part of the UK community, which cannot be ignored. It also goes on to prove that Pakistanis are capable of much more than selling fake mobiles and honour killings.
It should be noted, however, that Sadiq Khan was not voted on the basis of his ethnicity, but rather his vision. The Mayor of London holds an important position over four key policy areas – transport, policing, environment and housing and planning. Ex-mayor Boris Johnson has quite a lot to show for his eight-year tenure in office, leading to high expectations from his successor.
While politics in Pakistan remains a family game, Londoners have the freedom to choose a Mayor for themselves who they believe can deliver what he promises.
It is safe to say that those who have voted for Sadiq Khan, have seen him beyond his faith and skin colour. Whereas Sadiq Khan prides on being raised by a modest set of hardworking parents, his rival Goldsmith, who was also linked to Pakistan, being the state where his sister got married and spent a good few years, came from one of the wealthiest families of Great Britain and is used to a life of luxuries.
It is thus no surprise that the working class of London resonated more with the campaign of the brown-skinned bus-driver’s son, who promises cheaper transport, housing and jobs. The basic necessities that majority of Londoners strive for and pay more importance to than the family name of politicians.
Sadiq is not the first Khan in England to rise to fame. While Amir Khan remains the much loved Britain boxer originating from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, James Caan (originally Nazim Khan) is respected as one of the top businessmen in the country.
Two centuries ago, when Great Britain invaded the Subcontinent never could the officials of that time have imagined, that someone from this soil would be ruling over their people one day. It goes to show how over the years the English have changed their mind-set from monarchy and colonisation to globalism and equality.
Having said that, a mayor in London is not much of a ruler, like those of the olden times. Today, those in power are actually public servants and are accountable for every action they take. Sadiq Khan has a huge responsibility on his shoulders now. His every move will be monitored and heavily scrutinised. He will not only be criticised by white people or rival party members, but also by members of his own religion and country of origin. He has already received bad press amongst the Muslim community in 2013 over his support for LGBT rights.
Needless to say he needs a lot more than the luck of his surname to succeed in this demanding job and become a ‘Mayor for all Londoners’.