Atif Aslam, a name synonymous with soulful melodies and captivating performances, recently celebrated his 41st birthday. Born in Wazirabad, Pakistan in 1983, his path to musical stardom wasn’t always clear. Cricket, not music, initially captured his youthful aspirations. However, a move to Lahore in 1995 sparked a new passion within him – a passion for music.
College life became a breeding ground for Atif’s musical talent. Surrounded by friends who shared his love for music, he often strummed his guitar, weaving harmonies with his peers. This shared passion led to a collaboration with Gohar Mumtaz, another music enthusiast. Together, they formed the band “Jal” and in 2003, unleashed their debut album, “Aadat.” The album, with its title track becoming a megahit, established “Jal” as a force to be reckoned with.
While “Aadat” marked the beginning of Atif’s musical journey, it wasn’t the final chapter with “Jal.” The band eventually disbanded, paving the way for Atif’s solo career. His debut solo album, “Jal Pari,” solidified his position as a prominent singer in Pakistan.
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The year 2005 marked a pivotal point in Atif’s career. Lending his voice to the Bollywood films “Zeher” and “Kalinga,” his songs “Woh Lamhe” and “Aadat” (a different version from the “Jal” album) resonated with Indian audiences. This success opened the doors of Bollywood wide open for Atif. He became a go-to voice for major Indian productions, with his soulful renditions becoming a near-mandatory element for a successful Bollywood film.
However, the 2019 Pulwama incident led to a temporary halt in Atif’s work in India. Thankfully, the Indian court lifted the ban in late 2023, paving the way for his potential return to Bollywood.
Atif’s musical repertoire extends far beyond Bollywood. Songs like “Duri,” “Hum Kis Gali Naayai Hain,” “Meri Kahani,” and countless others have cemented his place as a legend in Pakistani music. His versatility shines through not just in pop music, but also in his mesmerizing renditions of Qawwali and Asmaaul Husna.
