Nearly a decade after being barred from working in India, Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has reflected on the restrictions that kept him away from one of his biggest audiences. The singer said his Indian fans have continued to seek out his music despite the ban, while the experience also pushed him to explore his identity as an independent artiste.
Atif Aslam says ban changed his musical journey
Speaking to Kris Fade, Atif Aslam recalled the circumstances that led to his prolonged absence from India and said the restrictions were part of a wider decision concerning artistes from the two countries.“It’s been almost 10 years since I was banned in India. That was the decision of the Indian government; they decided to ban artistes from Pakistan. Indian artistes are also banned in Pakistan now,” he said.Restrictions on Pakistani artistes in India intensified in 2016 amid rising tensions between the two countries. Atif’s concert in Gurgaon was cancelled that year after the district administration advised organisers to defer the event, while political groups also opposed performances by Pakistani artistes.Later in September 2016, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association passed a resolution against hiring Pakistani artistes, actors and technicians until relations between the two countries improved. Following the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, the All India Cine Workers Association also announced a ban on Pakistani artistes working in the Indian film industry.
‘Music will reach wherever it has to reach’
Despite being unable to release new songs in India for years, Atif said his music continues to find its way to Indian listeners.“For the past 10 years, I haven’t done a song there. My fans are listening over VPN and they burn the CDs and give them to people. Not that I appreciate piracy, but music will reach wherever it has to reach,” he said.For Atif, the way his music continues to travel reminded him of his own beginnings. Before digital platforms transformed the music industry, his songs spread through radio, CDs and cassettes.“That is how my first single got out. Nobody knew who the guy was. The song became famous; it became a huge success all over radio, CDs and cassettes,” he recalled.
Atif Aslam tells Indian fans: ‘I miss you guys’
The singer also had a message for the Indian listeners who have continued to support him despite his absence from the country.“It’s alright that there are certain artistes you get to hear, but I bet if you love me enough, you will know where to find me. If you love my music, you know where to find me. My music will definitely reach you,” Atif said.He added that he did not want his fans to feel disappointed by the situation.“Don’t feel bad about it, don’t feel sad about it. I always wanted to tell you that I miss you guys. I don’t miss working over there, but I miss you guys,” he said.
‘I thank those who have banned me’
Interestingly, Atif said his absence from India’s playback industry also had a positive impact on his artistic evolution.“I have learnt a lot from playback singing and if this ban didn’t happen, I think I would be unable to make my own music. So I thank you guys for that as well,” he said.He expressed gratitude towards fans who have continued to stand by his music.“I really appreciate that you guys have stood by me. You pour so much love at my concerts and albums and love my songs,” he said.Atif also said the experience gave him a chance to look inward and develop his own musical identity.“I thank those who have banned me as well, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to explore myself,” he said.
From Aadat to Bollywood playback success
Atif Aslam’s popularity among Indian listeners predates his Bollywood career. He was initially part of the Pakistani rock band Jal, with Aadat becoming a breakthrough song. He later included a version of the track in his debut solo album Jal Pari, released in 2004.His Bollywood playback debut came with Woh Lamhe from Zeher in 2005. He went on to lend his voice to several popular Hindi film songs, including Tera Hone Laga Hoon, Pehli Nazar Mein, Tu Jaane Na, Jeena Jeena and Dil Diyan Gallan.
