Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has opened up about the nearly decade-long ban on Pakistani artistes working in India, saying the restrictions pushed him to explore himself as an independent musician while his music continued to reach Indian listeners.

In an interview with Kris Fade for the YouTube channel One on One with Kris Fade, Aslam said Indian fans continued to find ways to listen to his music despite his absence from the country. He also thanked those responsible for the ban, saying the experience ultimately helped him develop his own musical identity.

Atif Aslam Says Fans Still Listen To His Music

Speaking about his continued popularity among Indian listeners, Aslam said he had not recorded a song for the Indian market in almost 10 years but believed his music continued to cross borders.

“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.

Aslam said the restrictions were part of a broader decision by the Indian government concerning Pakistani artistes, while noting that Indian artistes are also currently restricted from working in Pakistan.

“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 Intensified After Uri Attack

Restrictions on Pakistani artistes in India intensified in 2016 following the Uri terror attack. That year, an Atif Aslam concert in Gurgaon was cancelled after the district administration advised organisers to defer the event, amid protests by political groups against Pakistani artistes performing in India.

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.

The restrictions were reinforced in 2019 following the Pulwama terror attack, when the All India Cine Workers Association announced a ban on Pakistani artistes working in the Indian film industry.

Aslam said the manner in which his music continues to reach Indian listeners reminded him of the early stages of his career, when his debut single became popular through radio, CDs and cassettes before he was widely known as an artiste.

‘I Miss You Guys’: Atif Aslam To Indian Fans

Aslam also addressed Indian fans who have continued to support his music despite his inability to perform or work in 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,” he said.

He urged fans not to feel disappointed about his absence from India’s music industry and said his connection with listeners remained important to him.

“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,” Aslam said.

Singer Says Ban Helped Shape His Career

Aslam said being unable to work in playback singing had also led him towards creating more of his own music, which he described as an unexpected benefit of the restrictions.

“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.

The singer also expressed gratitude to his Indian audience for continuing to support his albums, songs and concerts.

“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.

Aslam went further by thanking those who imposed the restrictions, saying the experience forced him to explore a different side of his artistry.

“I thank those who have banned me as well, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to explore myself,” he said.

Atif Aslam’s Longstanding India Connection

Aslam’s connection with Indian listeners predates his Hindi film career. He was initially part of the Pakistani rock band Jal, through which his voice gained wider recognition with the song Aadat.

He later included a version of the song in his debut solo album Jal Pari, released in 2004. The album became a major success and helped establish Aslam as a prominent singer across the region.

His subsequent work in the Indian music industry further expanded his audience in the country, making the restrictions on Pakistani artistes a significant change in his professional career.

Despite his prolonged absence from the Indian entertainment industry, Aslam said his music continued to reach listeners in the country, underscoring the enduring connection he shares with his Indian audience.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share