Karachi, May 11 (IANS): A rickshaw driver in Pakistan's port city of Karachi who shot to fame through his singing video on Facebook, says he has quit driving after being praised by Indian legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar.

Aslam has now again started his singing training at home on a harmonium and always begins the session with the same ‘thumri’ that he sang in the famed video clip, Dunya News reported on Wednesday.

“I was amazed when Lata Mangeshkar praised my voice and skills and from that moment I have quit driving rickshaw,” he said.

The 55-year-old rickshaw driver got recognition when his clip was uploaded on social media in which he was singing acclaimed Pakistani maestro Ghulam Ali’s thumri ‘Yaad Piya Ki Aaye’.

As the ‘thumri’ sung by Aslam went viral, many were surprised to know that the singer drove an auto-rickshaw in Karachi.

A few hours after the clip was uploaded, Lata Mangeshkar in Mumbai shared it on her Facebook page.

She also wrote that she was stunned to hear this talented singer and wished for him to stand in front of the microphone and not drive a rickshaw.

However, Aslam is not new to being in the limelight. In 1993, he took part in a TV programme and reached the grand finale of the talent show.

He had also lent his vocals in some Pakistani films and movies but then the process was hindered after he fell ill.