Whale of a tale: Pakistani fishmonger now pop star

Nazir definitely doesn't view missing out on the No. 1 Christmas single as a setback. He has returned to his home country to get a visa for France for the release of his hit song there and also has plans to take "One Pound Fish" to the United States, where he hopes it will make a big splash.

It has been quite a ride. He grew up in the little-known town of Pattoki near the eastern city of Lahore. His father owned a transport company, but his passion was always music, and he spent his youth singing both religious songs and pop hits by stars like Michael Jackson.

He traveled to Britain to study but eventually got a work permit and started working as a fishmonger in London nine months ago, he said. He now wants to pursue a career in music, but the fish stall in London will always hold a special place in his heart.

"I can't forget England, Queens Market, my fish stall because that place changed my whole life," said Nazir.