Atif Aslam: The Voice That Crossed Every Border

There is a version of the 2000s and 2010s in South Asia that is scored by Atif Aslam. From "Aadat" to a shelf of film songs that crossed borders freely, he became one of the most recognisable voices in the region, and then surprised everyone by acting, too.

Quick facts

• Born: 12 March 1983, Wazirabad
• Profession: Singer, songwriter, composer, actor
• Known for: "Aadat", "Tere Bin", "Jeena Jeena", playback work across Pakistani and Indian cinema
• Acting: Television debut as Hilmand in Sang-e-Mah (2022), for which he also sang the title track

A voice that travelled

Aslam's music career took off with the song "Aadat", and by 2005 he had made his Bollywood debut when it was featured in Kalyug. What followed was a run of chart-topping playback songs in both Pakistani and Indian films, a fanbase that stretched from Karachi to Delhi to Toronto, and a style often described as a meeting point between pop and Sufi rock.

Stepping on screen

In 2022 he made his acting debut as Hilmand in Sang-e-Mah, and he also recorded the drama's title song. The performance, in a story built around honour and old grudges, drew praise and proved he could hold a scene as well as a melody.

In concert and beyond

Live shows remain his strongest suit: his tours fill arenas across three continents, and a generation of fans knows every word. He continues to record for films and special projects, choosing his spots carefully.

Where to follow

• X: @itsaadee
• Website: aadeez.com

Two decades on, that voice is still the first one many listeners think of when they think of Pakistani music.