If there is something called instant connection, then Atif Aslam's singing typifies it--soulful yet quivering with fervent youthful energy.
Atif is the latest in the line of talented crop of Pakistani singers we have seen in recent times... Nazia Hassan (need one say much...:-)), Jahangir Hassan (remember Hawa Hawa!), Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Raahat Fateh Ali, Adnan Sami (of Lift Karaa De fame) and Strings' Faisal and Bilal (recall Dhaani?).
Continuing the trend was a young Atif. Along with his Jal band mate Goher, Atif hit the scene with Aadat. The year was 2004. A video shot in a colonial Karachi mansion became an instant craze in Pakistan topping the radio FMs in that country.
Mahesh Bhatt is attributed to giving Atif his Bollywood break. The very next year (2005) Atif crooned to chart-busting Woh Lamhe from Zeher.
Since then, his popularity shows no sign of ebbing...
Here's a look at Atif Aslam's Bollywood songs:
Tu Jaane Na (Film: Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani, 2009; Music: Pritam Chakraborty): This wonder-struck love ballad is high on mood. Youthful, soulful yet happy and so full of love, it has been an instant hit with the young ones.
Tera Honey Laga Hoon (Film: Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani, 2009 Music: Pritam Chakraborty): Here's another one from Atif-Pritam team. Giving company is immensely talented Alisha Chinnoy. Cast in the young, soft rock genre, this love sonnet is vintage Atif. It suits Ranbir Kapoor to the T.
Pehle Nazar (Film: Race, 2008; Music: Pritam Chakraborty): Throbbing with sensual energy is this number from Race. The emotional urge and urgency of this song is sure to blow listeners away; small wonder it was a smashing hit.
Tere Bin (Film: Bas Ek Pal, 2006; Music: Pritam Chakraborty): Here's another cracker from the Atif stable. Young, passionate, longing and oh-so-sensuous! Well, almost hinting at lust!
Woh Lamhe (Film: Zeher, 2005; Music: Anu Malik & Roop Kumar Rathod): The song that got Atif on a long road to Bollywood fame and one that got Indians to be introduced to the youngster from across the border. Vibrant, alive, passionate, emotional, full throated; this was young Atif being introduced to Indians for the first time.
Atif Aslams Albums:
The album that got Atif started a long road to fame and destiny was 'Doorie'. It has a number of record-busting numbers such as 'Doorie', 'Kuch is Tarah' and 'Hum Kis Galli Ja Rahe Hain'. All hits and at least two that have been adapted and used as Bollywood numbers. Way to go, Atif!
Jalpari was, of course, his first solo venture and was released in 2004. The most memorable number was 'Aadat', again used in Bollywood film 'Kalyug'. Atif was then only 21! Imagine!!
His songs in his albums are striking in their expression of melancholic love and longing; a note that transforms into passionate desire in his later Bollywood numbers.
Here was a guy who is at once a young rock star with soft, romantic overtones and yet a mature lover.
Like with anybody else, skeptics abound. Many find him technically challenged (Be-sura in Hindustani) but for a man who sings from his heart, such criticism barely holds much water.
After all, who would care for correctness, when a happy heart sings? Long Live Atif Aslam's glorious imperfections!
Note: Good news for all Atif Aslam fans, you can catch this star singer live in concert on 11 February 2010 at the Hamsadhwani Theatre, New Delhi India. Book your tickets now before it is too late!!!
