I am living a dream, says Atif Aslam

MUSCAT: He took everyone by surprise when he plunged into the world of acting. But then, it is music that has always excited Pakistani pop singer Atif Aslam. The singing sensation is here in Muscat for his show titled ‘Salaam 2011’, which is slated at the City Amphitheatre in Qurum tonight.

Speaking exclusively to Times of Oman yesterday, Aslam, who has a growing fan following in the sub-continent, especially after he made his name in Bollywood, talked about the acting offers he has been receiving following the success of his debut Pakistani film Bol.

Bol’s success
“My primary intention was to encourage Pakistani cinema and I got a great response from the film. I have got a few offers that I might consider if the scripts are good. But I do not want to disclose anything on that issue now, but yes they are intriguing,” he said. Bol is the tale of a depressed Lahore-based girl living in a male-dominated society struggling to find her own identity. Aslam plays the amiable neighbour.

However, it is music that fascinates the young Pakistani singer, who has several Bollywood hits to his credit. “I want to focus more on music. What I am today and the reason why I am talking to you now is all because of the fame I earned through music,” he reiterated. As part of his intention to promote the goodwill of Pakistan, Aslam is currently working on an international project titled The Dreamer Awakes, along with the American band Guns N’ Roses, which is due for release this summer.

“I just recorded a song with Guns N’ Roses, and we are working on this album. You know people see me as a rock star who can sing and dance, so I want to change that perception. The purpose behind the album is to tell the world that Pakistan is not a dangerous nation, but is a peaceful country,” said Aslam, who burst onto the Pakistani pop scene after his hugely successful solo album Jal Pari in 2004.

Its popularity transcended borders and soon he was flooded with Bollywood playback singing offers for movies including Race (Pehli Nazar Mein) and Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani (Tu Jaane Na). But in spite of his huge popularity­­­ — he has close to 2.1 million fans on Facebook — Aslam would like to downplay his success as a singer.

Dream run
“I believe that this fame came by chance and I am living a dream now. I am blessed to see so many people who want to be in my shoes. I am thankful to God but I still believe that I am responsible for quite a lot of things,” he noted.

His show tonight will have the best of his popular Bollywood songs and from his personal albums.

“I was expecting a standing crowd but I was told that it is a seated event. But I want my audience to dance and sing with me which will give me the energy to sing all night,” he explained. The show, being organised by Roar Entertainment, will begin at 8pm. The gates for the show will open at 6:30pm. Source

Atif’s music goes global

Singer might collaborate with John Mayer, Coldplay and Jimmy Page

He is looking forward to the Indian release of his acting debut, ‘Bol’, but if all goes well, Pakistani singer Atif Aslam will be part of a much bigger partnership, reports the Times of India. He might just end up collaborating with big-ticket musicians like John Mayer, Coldplay and Jimmy Page (the founder of famous hard rockband Led Zeppelin). Aslam is a member of The Sonic Peacemakers’ ‘Pakistan America: Peace Through Music’ — a project aimed to bring Americans and Pakistanis closer, and support and develop the country’s artistic talent.

“Whenever I’m in the US, I keep aside a week to work only on my collaborations with artistes. Be it raising money or tying up with musicians, I’m doing everything on my own,” says Atif. “We are planning to collaborate with Mayer, Coldplay and Jimmy Page, but nothing is finalised yet.”

A hit Bollywood singer too, Atif says, “I’m keeping my fingers crossed because, after all, they are busy people.” But is it likely to happen? “We will keep everyone informed about it,” he says.

Atif has already recorded four songs with the ex-members of iconic American band Guns N’ Roses — Slash, Gliby Clarke and Chris Pitman for the album The Dreamer Awakes. “With the initiative, I plan to bring Pakistani singers — including our Sufi singers — and American artistes together for musical collaborations,” he says.

Regarding the upcoming release of Shoaib Mansoor’s Bol, Atif mentions, “It’s always exciting to work on new projects. ‘Bol’ is a very serious film and not just meant for pure entertainment.” Admitting that he was nervous about the film, he adds, “Although I have acted in my music videos and that helped, mouthing dialogues, that too intense ones, is a completely different ballgame. Shoaib Mansoor is a one-of-a-kind director. I loved his last film, ‘Khuda Ke Liye’.” Credit : Daily Times Pakistan