Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 12: Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has opened up about the ban on Pakistani artistes in India, saying it has been nearly 10 years since he was barred from working in the country and that the experience ultimately pushed him to explore himself as an independent artiste.

In a conversation with Kris Fade on his YouTube channel One on One with Kris Fade, the Aadat singer said his music continues to reach Indian listeners despite the restrictions.

“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,” Atif said.

Speaking about the restrictions, he said they were part of a wider decision concerning Pakistani artistes.

“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 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, while political groups also protested 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.

Atif said the way his music continues to reach Indian listeners reminds him of the early days of his career, when his debut single became widely popular through radio, CDs and cassettes before audiences even knew his identity.

Addressing his Indian fans, the singer said they should not feel disappointed about not being able to see him perform or work in India.

“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.

“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,” Atif added.

The singer also said his absence from playback singing had an unexpected benefit, as it encouraged him to focus more on creating his own music.

“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.

Atif thanked Indian fans who have continued to support his music despite his absence from the country.

“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.

He also expressed gratitude towards those responsible for the ban, saying the experience forced him to look inward and develop as an artiste.

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

Atif Aslam's association with Indian listeners began even before his Hindi film career. He was part of the Pakistani rock band Jal, and Aadat helped take his voice to a wider audience. He later included a version of the song in his debut solo album Jal Pari, released in 2004, which went on to become a major success.