Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has reacted to the India ban on Pakistani artistes, saying it has been almost 10 years since he was barred from working in the country, that fans are listening over VPN, and that he also thanks those who banned him because the experience changed his career.
In a conversation with Kris Fade for his YouTube channel, One on One with Kris Fade, the singer said the restrictions pushed him to explore himself as an independent musician while his music continued to reach Indian listeners.
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Speaking about his continued reach in India, Atif Aslam said, “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.”
Talking about his absence from the Indian music industry, Atif said the restrictions 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 added.
The 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 again in 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack, when the All India Cine Workers Association announced a ban on Pakistani artistes working in the Indian film industry.
Atif mentioned that the way his music currently reaches listeners mirrors his career’s start—when his debut single became a widespread hit on radio, CDs, and cassettes before anyone even knew who he was.
He also had a message for Indian fans who have continued to support him despite his absence from the country. “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.”
Atif said he does not want his fans to feel disappointed about not being able to see him work in India. “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.”
He said being away from playback singing had also brought an unexpected upside, as it pushed him towards making more of 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 also thanked fans for continuing to back his work. “I really appreciate that you guys have stood by me. You pour so much love at my concerts and albums and love my songs.”
Atif added that he was grateful even to those who had stopped him from working in India because it forced him to look inward as an artiste. “I thank those who have banned me as well, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to explore myself.”
Atif Aslam’s connection with Indian listeners began before his Hindi film career. He was part of the Pakistani rock band Jal, and Aadat took 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 became a major success.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
