Atif Aslam (Urdu: عاطف اسلم; born Muhammad Atif Aslam) is a Pakistani pop singer and film actor, and makes cameo appearances in Bollywood (Indian) films. His debut as an actor was in the 2011 film Pakistani movie Bol by ShoMan. He has recorded numerous chart-topping songs, and is known for his vocal belting technique. Atif is the youngest recipient of Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistani civilian decorations.
Content
- 1 Early life
- 2 Debut
- 3 Hollywood
- 4 Acting career
- 5 Television
- 6 Discography
- 6.1 Albums
- 6.2 Promotional singles
- 6.3 Hollywood songs
- 6.4 Bollywood and Indian film songs
- 6.5 Lollywood songs
- 6.6 Collaborative songs
- 6.7 Pakistani drama Soundtrack
- 6.8 Coke Studio Pakistan
- 7 Filmography
- 8 Awards
- 9 See Also
- 10 References
- 11 External links
Early life
Atif was born into a Muslim family in Wazirabad, Pakistan. He began his education in kindergarten at Kimberley Hall School, Larkana. In 1991 he moved to Rawalpindi where he continued his studies in St. Paul’s Cambridge School, Satellite Town, Rawalpindi. Atif returned to Lahore in 1995 where he continued his studies in Divisional Public School,Lahore. He continued onwards to his FSC in Punjab College where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree.
Debut
Even though Atif always admired Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen. His first love was for cricket and he dreamed of representing his nation as a cricketer. He was a fast bowler and his passion for the sport saw him being selected for the national Under 19 cricket team trials. At one stage Atif was training to represent his country in the U-19 World Cup.
Spurred on by his friends he began to sing in public during his days in college and recorded his first single “Aadat” with his pocket money. Within a matter of weeks “Aadat” went viral online and soon he became a household name on the basis of just that one song. On 17 July 2004 the first album titled Jal Pari. by Atif Aslam was released.
Several songs from his debut album such as “Bheegi Yaadein”, “Ehsaas”, “Mahi Ve”, “Ankhon Sey” along with the title track “Jalpari” went on to become major hits and charted across countries in the subcontinent.
Following the success of Jal Pari, he released two more solo albums, “Doorie” & “Meri Kahani”. Both albums were massive successes. According to Tips music his solo albums have sold more than 9 million units globally.
Within a span of three years he recorded over two dozen chartbusters for top Bollywood films and for his work on the movie Race, was nominated for the Filmfare Award. He continues to work on top productions and his growing popularity has seen filmmakers create special music videos to promote their films with his songs.
Following sold out concerts throughout his country the demand to watch Atif Aslam perform live grew across the world.
He began to tour internationally with performances in the US and Canada with RDB and Annie Khalid. Atif then made his solo debut concert in New Jersey in Summer Beats 2008 (that also featured Kailash Kher, Richa Sharma & Amanat Ali) at Sovereign Bank Arena. After a sold out concert in New Jersey, Atif returned with his band and special guests toQueens Colden Center, New York to perform on 2 July 2010. Taking over the production Atif produced the event with special sound and light design to support his concert.
Atif performing in Lahore, Pakistan
Two years later Atif Aslam returned to the US. Collaborating with female vocalist Shreya Ghoshal their March 2010 tour originally had 10 shows announced in US and Canada. However the response inspired the organizers to conduct shows in six more cities.The next month, Atif Aslam made his debut in South America with a performance at Anthony Nesty Sports Hall, Suriname in South America.
The world touring continued with Atif Aslam performing with Sunidhi Chauhan for the first time at Hershey Centre, Mississauga followed by another show at Oracle Arena, San Francisco, Oakland in July 2011 during their USA & Canada tour. In September 2011 he performed in New York.
Atif continued to tour the world with headline performances at Royal Albert Hall in London (alongside Jay Sean). He followed that with dates across major concert venues in the UK in 2010.
On 22 April 2012 Atif Aslam became the first man from his country to perform in London’s O2 Arena a concert spectacular to promote love, peace & unity among India and Pakistan. Atif performed for four hours on The O2 Arena stage. This was then followed up by shows in Manchester & Glasgow.
In 2012 he was invited for three concerts at the World Trade Centre in Dubai. This was followed with his debut concert in Bangkok at the Centara Convention Centre on 6 October 2012. Atif Aslam then returned to performing in 10 major cities of Pakistan during his Jazz Jazba Generation Tour where backstage footage of Atif Aslam behind the scenes during the tour, his interactions with his fans and intimate look at the man behind the star was filmed for the first time. On 2 November he performed his first public concert in Malaysia.
In December 2012, Atif was named among top performers of Dubai for 2012 alongside Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, Il Divo, Gotye,Evanescence & Swedish House Mafia. A few weeks earlier, Atif Aslam became the first man from Asia, and the second artist after Bryan Adams, to be permitted to perform inside the Dashrath Rangasla – National Football Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal. With 25,000 crowd his concert in Nepal was also a great success. Atif once again returned to Dubai for multiple concerts in 2013 at the world famous Atlantis resort Dubai. He also earlier shared stage with upcoming talent Shalmali Kholgade in Dubai.
In April 2013, Atif performed for the first time at the LG Arena in Birmingham following which he became the first artist from Asia to perform twice at London’s O2 Arena. Also in concert at the O2 were Bollywood stars Shaan, Malaika Arora Khan & Bipasha Basu.
Hollywood
Atif has three songs featured in the American independent film, Man Push Cart which has won international awards and was praised by critics. He then sung two songs in Mira Nair’s film The Reluctant Fundamentalist. His two more songs ‘Doorie’ and ‘Maula’ from his second album Doorie have been picked up in 2010 for the soundtrack of the Hindi Version of a Mexican film La mujer de mi hermano directed by Ricardo de Montreuil.
Acting career
Atif made his acting debut in the 2011 Pakistani movie Bol. He has also made special appearances in film songs.
Television
Atif appeared as a captain of Team Pakistan in a singing talent show called Sur Kshetra which was shot and broadcast from Dubai where Indian and Pakistani contestants were competing against each other. Atif’s team wins in this competition.
Discography
Main article: Atif Aslam discography
Atif performing at O2 Arena London
Albums
|
Year |
Title |
| 2004 | Jal Pari |
| 2006 | Doorie |
| 2008 | Meri Kahani |
Promotional singles
|
Year |
Song |
| 2010 | Jee Lay Zindagi |
| 2012 | Juro Gey to Jano Gey |
Hollywood songs
|
Year |
Song |
Film |
| 2005 | Aadat | Man Push Cart |
| Ehsaas | ||
| Yakeen | ||
| 2013 | Mori Araj Suno | The Reluctant Fundamentalist |
| Bol Ke Lab Azaad Hain |
Bollywood and Indian film songs
|
Year |
Song |
Film |
Co-singer(s) |
| 2005 | Woh Lamhe | Zeher | |
| Aadat | Kalyug | ||
| 2006 | Tere Bin | Bas Ek Pal | |
| 2008 | Pehli Nazar Mein | Race | |
| Bakhuda Tumhi Ho | Kismat Konnection | Alka Yagnik | |
| 2009 | Tera Hone Laga Hoon | Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani | Alisha Chinoy |
| Tu Jaane Naa | |||
| 2010 | O Mere Khuda | Prince | Garima Jhingoon |
| Tere Liye | Shreya Ghoshal | ||
| Kaun Hoon Main | |||
| Aa Bhi Ja Sanam | |||
| Rona Chadta (Mahi Mahi) | Mel Karade Rabba | ||
| 2011 | Le Ja Tu Mujhe | F.A.L.T.U | |
| 2012 | Piya O Re Piya | Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya | Shreya Ghoshal |
| Tu Mohabbat Hai | Monali Thakur, Priya Panchal | ||
| 2013 | Aa Bhi Ja Mere Mehermaan | Jayanta Bhai Ki Luv Story | |
| Hai Na | Priya Panchal | ||
| Dil Najaane Kyun | Anushka Manchanda | ||
| Be Intehaan | Race 2 | Sunidhi Chauhan | |
| Allah Duhai Hai | Vishal Dadlani & Anushka Manchanda | ||
| Jeene Laga Hoon | Ramaiya Vastavaiya | Shreya Ghoshal | |
| Bairiyaa | |||
| Rang Jo Lagyo | |||
| Main Rang Sharbaton Ka | Phata Poster Nikla Hero | Chinmayi Sripada | |
| Janam Janam | |||
| 2014 | Tera Naam Doon | It’s Entertainment | Shalmali Kholgade |
Lollywood songs
|
Year |
Song |
Film |
Co-singer(s) |
| 2011 | Hona Tha Pyaar | Bol | Hadiqa Kiani |
| Kaho (Aaj Bol Do) | Hadiqa Kiani |
Collaborative songs
|
Year |
Song |
Co-singer(s) |
| 2009 | Lumbi Judaai | Reshma |
| 2010 | Ab Khud Kuch Karna Paray Ga | Strings |
| 2011 | Wish You Were Here | Slash |
| We Will Rise Again | Lanny Cordola | |
| 2013 | Zameen Jaagti Hai | Shiraz Uppal |
| 2013 | ‘Tu khas hai |
Pakistani drama Soundtrack
|
Year |
Song |
Serial |
Co-singer |
| 2008 | “Aas Paas” | Mere Paas Paas | Hadiqa Kiani |
Coke Studio Pakistan
|
Year |
Song |
Co-singer |
| 2009 | Jal Pari (Reprise) | |
| Wasta E Pyar Da | ||
| Mai Ni (Reprise) | ||
| Kinara (Reprise) | Ustad Riaz Ali Khan | |
| Humain Kya Hua | ||
| 2012 | Charkha Nolakha | Qayaas |
| Rabba Sacheya (Reprise) | ||
| Dholna | ||
| 2013 | Channa |
Filmography
Actor
|
Year |
Film |
Role |
Language |
Note(s) |
| 2006 | Bas Ek Pal | Himself | Hindi | Special appearance in song Tere Bin |
| 2008 | Race | Himself | Hindi | Special appearance in song Pehli Nazar |
| 2010 | Prince | Himself | Hindi | Special appearance in song Kaun Hoon Main & Aa Bhi Ja Sanam |
| 2011 | Bol | Mustafa | Urdu | Film debut as an actor |
| 2012 | Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya | Himself | Hindi | Special appearance in song Piya O Re Piya |
| Himself | Hindi | Special appearance in song Tu Mohabbat Hai | ||
| 2013 | Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story | Himself | Hindi | Special appearance in song Dil Na Jaane Kyun & Aa bhi ja mere mehermaan |
| Race 2 | Himself | Hindi | Special appearance in song Be Intehaan |
Awards
|
Year |
Category |
Song/Nomination |
Result |
|
|
Indus Music Awards |
||||
| 2005 | Best Lyrics | Aadat combined awards with Jal |
Won |
|
| Best Song |
Won |
|||
| Best Composition |
Won |
|||
|
Sahara Sangeet Awards |
||||
| 2005 | Best Playback Singer |
Won |
||
| Best Debut Singer |
Won |
|||
|
The Musik Awards |
||||
| 2006 | Most Wanted Male |
Nominated |
||
| 2008 | Most Wanted Male |
Won |
||
|
Lux Style Awards |
||||
| 2005 | Best Album | Jal Pari |
Won |
|
| 2007 | Best Album | Doorie |
Won |
|
| 2008 | Most Well Dressed Celebrity | Police Dress |
Won |
|
| Best Album | Meri Kahani |
Nominated |
||
| 2012 | Song of the Year | Hona Tha Pyaar – Bol |
Nominated |
|
| Best Original Sound Track | Hona Tha Pyaar – Bol |
Won |
||
| 2013 | Music Icon of the year |
Won |
||
|
MTV Brrr Music Awards |
||||
| 2009 | Best Rock Song | Hungami Halaat |
Nominated |
|
| Best Singer (Male) |
Nominated |
|||
|
Government of Pakistan |
||||
| 2008 | Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Distinction) |
Won |
||
|
Filmfare Awards |
||||
| 2006 | Best Playback Singer (Male) | Woh Lamhe – Zeher |
Nominated |
|
| 2007 | Best Playback Singer (Male) | Tere Bin – Bas Ek Pal |
Nominated |
|
| 2010 | Best Playback Singer (Male) | Tu Jaane Na – Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani |
Nominated |
|
|
Lycra MTV Style Awards |
||||
| 2007 | Most Stylish Person (Music) |
Won |
||
|
International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) |
||||
| 2006 | Best Playback Singer (Male) | Woh Lamhe – Zeher |
Nominated |
|
| 2009 | Best Playback Singer (Male) | Pehli Nazar Mein – Race |
Nominated |
|
| 2010 | Best Playback Singer (Male) | Tu Jaane Na – Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani |
Nominated |
|
|
Star Screen Awards |
||||
| 2009 | Best Playback Singer (Male) | Pehli Nazar Main – Race |
Nominated |
|
|
Guild Awards |
||||
| 2014 | Best Playback Singer (Male) | Jeene Laga Hoon – Ramaiya Vastavaiya |
Nominated |
|
|
Zee Cine Awards |
||||
| 2014 | Best Playback Singer (Male) | Jeene Laga Hoon – Ramaiya Vastavaiya |
Nominated |
|
|
Global Indian Music Awards (GIMA) |
||||
| 2010 | Best Playback Singer (Male) | Tu Jaane Na – Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani |
Nominated |
|
|
Big Star Entertainment Awards |
||||
| 2013 | Best Playback Singer (Male) | Piya O Re Piya – Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya |
Nominated |
|
|
MTV IGGY |
||||
| 2011 | Best New Band in the World |
Nominated |
||
|
Pakistan Media Awards |
||||
| 2010 | Best Singer (Male) |
Won |
||
| 2011 | Best Singer (Male) |
Nominated |
||
| 2012 | Best Film Actor | Mustafa – Bol |
Nominated |
|
| Best Playback Singer | Hona Tha Pyaar – Bol |
Nominated |
||
|
The BrandLaureate International Brand Personality Award |
||||
| 2013 | Brand Personality |
Won |
||
See Also
- Jal (band)
- Goher Mumtaz
- Music of Pakistan
- List of Pakistani pop singers