Atif Aslam has been given a new lease on stardom with his spiritual song for Ramadan. He talks to Instep about the new song and falling over at concerts.
Instep: One minute it’s Coke Studio and the next you’re in a Ramadan advertisement with Dawud Wharnsby. From rock to religious anthems, how do you balance the two very different genres without shaking up a doodh soda?
Atif Aslam: I am a Muslim and I feel I don’t have to wear the shalwar kameez or fold my trousers high to prove that. This is as much part of me as my pop star image. For me religion is primarily about peace and having compassion for other people.
One of the most interesting tunes to come out of Coke Studio this year was ‘Mai Ne Main’, which was sung magnificently by Atif Aslam. It was one of the most daring moves Atif has made in his career. After all, this song is iconic. And to be able to re-do a song that is such a huge part of our folk music hertitage was certainly not easy. But Atif proved his mettle and how…
