New Delhi: Pakistani artist Atif Aslam has recently opened up about the ban on Pakistan artists working in India. He said that he “misses” his Indian fans,
but don’t miss working in the country.
He also added that his fans are listening his songs over VPN, pointing out that music will reach wherever it has to reach.
Atif Aslam on India ban
Talking about his ban from India, he said in a conversation with Kris Fade on his YouTube channel, “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. 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.”
“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. 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. I thank those who have banned me as well, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to explore myself,” he added.
Atif Aslam on AR Rahman
In a recent interview with Curly Tales Middle East, he said that AR Rahman surprised him by being totally different from his public image. He answered the question during a rapid-fire round.
When asked about the actor who does the best lip-syncing, he named Ranbir Kapoor. Ranbir and Stif have collaborated on several popular songs including ‘Tera Hone Laga Hoon’ and ‘Tu Jaane Na’ from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Khaani.
Atif Aslam’s new album
Atif Aslam has released a new album comprising eight travks and his new song ‘Subah Aye Na’ is a part of the album. The album was released on July 31, after nearly two decades. His last full length album ‘Meri Kahani’ was released in 2008.
Why Pakistani artists faced ban in India
In 2016, Pakistani artists faced ban in India following escalated tensions between the two countries after the Uri attack. The Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) passed a resolution directing its members to not hire Pakistani artists and technicians.
In 2019, the total ban on working with Pakistani artists was announced after Pulwama terror attack. All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a total ban on Pakistani artists.
