Biography
Atif Aslam is Pakistan's most internationally successful singer and one of the most popular playback voices in South Asia. Born on 12 March 1983 in Wazirabad and raised in Lahore, he discovered his vocal talent as a child. He briefly attended GC University Lahore before music took over. In 2003 he formed the band Jal and recorded the iconic song Aadat, which became a nationwide phenomenon and launched his career.
Music career
After parting ways with Jal, Atif released his debut solo album Jal Pari (2004), which became one of the best-selling albums in Pakistani music history, followed by Doorie (2006), Meri Kahani (2008) and Ajnabi (2011). He crossed over into Bollywood in 2005 with the song Woh Lamhey from the film Zeher, which became a chart-topping hit and opened the door for Pakistani singers in India. He went on to record dozens of Bollywood hits including Jeena Jeena, Dil Diyan Gallan, Tere Sang Yaara and Pehli Nazar, earning a Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer.
Coke Studio and legacy
Atif's renditions of the qawwali Tajdar-e-Haram on Coke Studio (2016) became one of the most-viewed Pakistani music videos ever, and he returned to Coke Studio with the soulful Wohi Khuda Hai (2019). He has also acted in films, appearing in Bol (2011) and Yalghaar (2017). Atif supports various philanthropic causes but is best known for his music. With a following in the tens of millions across platforms, he remains the most-streamed Pakistani artist in the world, and his live concerts across Pakistan, the UAE, the UK and North America routinely sell out.
Notable Works
| Title | Role / Note | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wohi Khuda Hai | Coke Studio | 2019 | music |
| Dil Diyan Gallan | Singer | 2018 | music |
| Tajdar-e-Haram | Coke Studio | 2016 | music |
| Bol | Actor | 2011 | film |
| Doorie | Album | 2006 | music |
| Jal Pari | Album | 2004 | music |
| Aadat | Singer | 2003 | music |
Awards & Honours
Lux Style Award for Best Singer (multiple); Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer; multiple nominations for IIFA and Zee Cine Awards
