Atif Aslam thanks those who banned him from India, says he doesn't miss working here

The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) passed a resolution directing its members not to hire Pakistani artistes and technicians for new projects until relations between India and Pakistan returned to normal. Among the Pakistani artistes affected was singer Atif Aslam.

Now, in a chat with Kris Fade on his YouTube channel, Atif opened up about his decade-long absence from the Indian music industry. He also shared a message for his Indian fans who continue to support his music.

What Happened

I always wanted to tell you that I miss you guys. I don’t miss working over there, but I miss you guys.

• Pakistani artistes faced restrictions on working in India in 2016 following heightened tensions between the two countries after the Uri terror attack.

• In September 2016, the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) passed a resolution directing its producer members not to hire Pakistani artistes and technicians until relations between the two countries returned to normal.

• The restrictions were followed by another industry-level move in February 2019, days after the Pulwama terror attack, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Key Details

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. Relations between India and Pakistan have had a direct impact on cross-border collaborations in the Indian film.

• He first gained recognition in India with Aadat, which featured in Kalyug (2005), followed by songs such as Woh Lamhe from Zeher.

• His work also earned him multiple Filmfare nominations for Best Male Playback Singer.

• Atif went on to lend his voice to several popular Hindi film songs, including Tere Bin, Pehli Nazar Mein, Tera Hone Laga Hoon, Tu Jaane Na, Jeene Laga Hoon, Be Intehaan, Jeena Jeena and.

Why It Matters

The move came amid heightened tensions following the Uri terror attack.

• Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has remained one of the most popular Pakistani artistes among Indian music listeners, with his popularity largely driven by his early success in Bollywood.

• The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a “total ban” on Pakistani actors and artistes working in the Indian film industry and warned of action against organisations that continued to employ them.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Hindustan Times as more details emerge