Early life and education
He studied at PAF College,Lahore where he completed his F.Sc (Pre-engineering) with the class of 2001. He has represented his college cricket team and represented his college in various other cities as well. He won his first singing competition on Independence Day celebrations in the college. He then went to the University of Central Punjab and completed his Bachelors in Computer Science.
Music career
Jal
He met Goher- a guitarist who became his future Jal band-mate, at his college. Together they practiced and started doing mini-concerts for their friends. Atif used to perform on the songs of Junoon and Strings at these concerts. They started performing in their college, McDonalds, Uncle Bubba's Rabba Dabba and other restaurants. Thus began the original line up of Jal.
Jal recorded their first song Aadat at Mekal Hassan's Studio. The song became popular on different musical websites in Pakistan and was also aired on major radio stations of Pakistan like City FM 89, FM 100, Mast FM 103, FM 105 etc. The video for this song was released on ARY Digital and The Musik and then it was played on almost all the channels.
Solo career (2004 Onwards)
After leaving Jal due to personal differences, Atif released his first solo album, Jal Pari on 19 July 2004, under Sound Master and IC records. Its promoters declared it to be the best-selling album of that year within just 5 months of its release.Besides his native country, he also became popular in India and his career took off to fame in both the countries. In the meantime he also cleared his Bachelors in Computer Science (Hons.) from the University of Central Punjab. His second album, Doorie was released on 22 December 2006.His first major concert was at Al Hamra Hall, Mall Road Lahore where he performed during the break of a stage drama Moulin Rouge. On 14 April 2007, Atif performed in Royal Albert Hall. His first international concert was at W. StarDreamz Entertainment Group during his tour of USA and Canada with RDB and Annie.
Atif also mentioned in a press conference held in Karachi that he will be working on an international project titled The Dreamer Awakes, alongside members of American rock band Guns n' Roses. The song will be released in Summer 2011.
Aslam has began work on his fourth album. There were rumors circulating online that it is titled Shabnam. This was rubbished off by Atif. “Right now, my entire focus is on this project (The Dreamer Awakes). I may be singing with Chris Martin or John Mayer… we’re trying to bring a lot of people together.”
Bollywood
He also performed background vocals for scenes in Prince. His latest Indian song was Le Ja Tu Mujhe from movie F.A.L.T.U.
Hollywood
Atif's three songs featured in the Hollywood film Man Push Cart.Aadat, Ehsaas and Yakeen are the three tracks. These songs are taken from his debut album Jal Pari. Atif is the 3rd Pakistani singer after Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Strings to be featured in any Hollywood movie.Acting career
Atif made his acting debut in the second film of well acclaimed Pakistani director Shoaib Mansoor. The film titled Bol was released in June 2011. The film also stars Pakistani TV anchor Mahira Khan. Atif plays a supporting role of a doctor in the film.Controversies
Jal controversy
Discography
Main article: Atif Aslam discography
| No. | Album | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jal Pari | 17 July 2004 |
| 2 | Doorie | 20 December 2006 |
| 3 | Meri Kahani | 4 January 2008 |
| 4 | The Dreamer Awakes - (Featuring Matt Sorum, Gilby Clarke) | Summer 2011 |
Filmography
| Year | Film | Character Name | Industry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Bol | Mustafa | Lollywood | Debut |
[edit] Singles
| No. | Song | Co-Singer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meri Hamjoliyan | None |
| 2 | Yunhi | None |
| 3 | Teriyan Yaadan | None |
| 4 | Ab Khud Kuch Karna Paray Ga | Strings |
| 5 | Haath Uthao (For Flood Victims) | None |
| 6 | Lambi Judai | None |
| 7 | Dosti | None |
| 8 | Aas Paas | Hadiqa Kiani |
Bollywood/Lollywood Songs
| No. | Song | Film | Co-Singer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Woh Lamhe | Zeher | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Aadat | Kalyug | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Tere Bin | Bas Ek Pal | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | Pehli Nazar Mein | Race | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | Bakhuda Tumhi Ho | Kismat Konnection | Alka Yagnik | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | Tera Hone Laga Hoon | Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani | Alisha Chinoy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7 | Tu Jaane Na | Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9 | O Mere Khuda | Prince | Garima Jhingoon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 | Tere Liye | Prince | Shreya Ghoshal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 | Kaun Hoon Main | Prince | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 | Aa Bhi Ja Sanam | Prince | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13 | Rona Chaditta (Mahi Mahi) | Mel Karade Rabba | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14 | Hona Tha Pyaar | Bol | Hadiqa Kiani | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15 | Aaj Bol Do | Bol | Hadiqa Kiani | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16 | Le Ja Tu Mujhe | F.A.L.T.U | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17 | Main Wari Jawan | Tere Naal Love Hogya | Unknown}Jingles for advertisement
Coke StudioIn 2009, Atif Aslam sang five songs for Pakistani music show called Coke Studio.
AwardsReferences
External links |
