Muhammad Atif Aslam, more popular as Atif Aslam, is a popular Bollywood singer. He is known for his vocal belting technique and has lent his voice to a number of Bollywood songs. In 2013, he was declared the most popular artist on Saavn (an Indian music streaming service). His melodious songs made him earn various prestigious awards including Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, one Pakistan civilian decoration. He is the youngest recipient to earn Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. He is also into acting and made his debut in 2011 with the Pakistani movie "Bol" by ShoMan.
Early Life and Education of Atif Aslam
He was born into a Muslim family on 12th March, 1983 in Wazirabad, Pakistan. He received his primary education from Kimberley Hall School, Larkana. Then he moved to Rawalpindi in 1991 where he continued his education in St. Paul`s Cambridge School. In 1995, Atif returned to Lahore where he continued his studies in Divisional Public School, Lahore. He received his Bachelor`s degree from Punjab College.
Career of Atif Aslam
Before turning professional singer, Atif was dreaming of representing his nation as a cricketer. He was a fast bowler and at one stage Atif was training to represent his country in the U-19 World Cup.
His life took a turn when he began singing in public during his college days on his friends" insistence. He recorded his first single "Aadat" with his pocket money which went viral online within a matter of weeks. He soon became a household name on the basis of that one song.
His first album was released on 17 July 2004 titled "Jal Pari" of which several songs like "Bheegi Yaadein", "Ehsaas", "Mahi Ve", "Ankhon Sey" along with the title track "Jalpari" went on to become major hits. Following the success of Jal Pari, he released two more solo albums, Doorie and Meri Kahani which were again massive successes.
Since the success of his albums, there was no looking back for Atif. He went on to record over two dozen chartbusters for top Bollywood films within a span of three years. His songs on the movie "Race" was even nominated for the Filmfare Award.
Next he started touring internationally to perform in the US and Canada with RDB and Annie Khalid. He made his solo debut concert in New Jersey in Summer Beats 2008 at Sovereign Bank Arena. He then went on to perform in places like South America, USA Canada, New York, London, Bangkok etc. He was also invited for three concerts at the World Trade Centre in Dubai in 2012. On 22 April 2012 Atif became the first man from his country to perform in London`s O2 Arena a concert. The aim of the concert was to promote love, peace and unity among India and Pakistan.
In December 2012, Atif was named one of the top performers of Dubai. A few weeks earlier, he became the first man from Asia to be permitted to perform inside the Dashrath Rangasla National Football Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal. In April 2013, he performed for the first time at the LG Arena in Birmingham. This made him the first artist from Asia to perform twice at London`s O2 Arena.
Acting Career of Atif Aslam
In 2011, Atif made his acting debut with the Pakistani film "Bol". He then made special appearances in film songs. His acting career in television started with a singing talent show called "Sur Kshetra". He appeared as a captain of Team Pakistan where Indian and Pakistani contestants were competing against each other. The programme was shot and broadcast from Dubai. Atif`s team won in this competition.
Personal Life of Atif Aslam
Atif tied the knot with his long-time girlfriend, educationist Sara Bharwana, in Lahore on 29 March 2013.
Achievements of Atif Aslam
Atif has won a number of awards some of which are as follows-
Indus Music Awards
•Best Lyrics, Best Song and Best Composition for Aadat (2005)
Sahara Sangeet Awards
•Best Playback Singer (2005)
•Best Debut Singer (2005)
The Musik Awards
•Most Wanted Male (2008)
Lux Style Awards
•Best Album for Jal Pari (2005)
•Best Album for Doorie (2007)
•Most Well Dressed Celebrity for Police Dress (2008)
•Best Original Sound Track for Hona Tha Pyaar - Bol (2012)
•Music Icon of the year (2013)
Award by Government of Pakistan
•Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (2008)
Lycra MTV Style Awards
Most Stylish Person (Music) (2007)
Pakistan Media Awards
Best Singer (Male) (2010)
The BrandLaureate International Brand Personality Award
Brand Personality (2013)