Atif Aslam

Born in Wazirabad, in the Pakistani Punjab, Atif Aslam made a name for himself in the early 2000s tracing the arc of Pakistani pop and melodic rock, with a writing style that blends romantic ballads, soft rock drive, and inflections from qawwali and Sufi music. After a spell with Jal, he launched his solo career with the album Jal Pari in 2003, followed by Doorie in 2006 and Meri Kahani in 2008. Atif Aslam then develops a cross-border career between Pakistan and India, recording for Pakistani cinema as well as Bollywood, where his voice becomes associated with numerous film songs predominantly in pop, acoustic or orchestral styles. His repertoire moves between Urdu and Punjabi, but also Bengali, Persian or Pashto depending on projects. On stage, Atif Aslam regularly performs in major venues across Asia, the United Kingdom and the Middle East. His work with Coke Studio Pakistan also marks an important milestone, with covers and interpretations of songs such as Tajdar-e-Haram, Wohi Khuda Hai or Man Aamadeh Am with Gul Panra, which show a clearer place given to devotional register and the vocal traditions of the subcontinent. Parallel to music, Atif Aslam acted in the cinema in Bol in 2011 and later on television in Sang-e-Mah in 2022.