Double your Eid celebration in Dubai with Atif Aslam

He keeps coming back to perform here, year after year.

Pop singer Atif Aslam is all set to perform for his fans from the subcontinent during the Eid celebrations at the Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre on Sunday, June 17 at 8pm. The dashing heartthrob will be singing his popular numbers like Dil Diya Gallan, Tere Sang Yaara,  O Saathi, Kuch Iss Tarah, Pehli Nazar Mein, Hona Tha Pyaar, Woh Lamhe, Doorie and Tere Bin besides an entire collection of his popular singles.
This soulful singer and a great performer has a huge fan following in Dubai and he keeps coming back to perform here, year after year. He is a recipient of numerous Lux Style Awards and was also awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2008, the fourth-highest decoration given to any civilian in Pakistan based on their achievements. He spoke to City Times about Dubai and his musical life. He also spoke about why female safety is of utmost important to him recalling a concert where he stopped his performance when a female fan was mishandled by a few men. Kudos to him for that gesture, but we were surprised when he explained why he won't talk about the #MeToo movement when asked about the Ali Zafar and Meesha Shafi sexual harrassment controversy. Excerpts from the interview:
Are you excited to perform during Eid in Dubai?
I am super excited. It is a different high altogether to meet fans from India and Pakistan in Dubai. They enjoy concerts and their energy is infectious. My concert this time will feature a blend of dance, romantic and lots of qawwali songs as well. From my recent numbers like  Jab Koi Baat and Dil Diyaan Gallan to my other old popular numbers, I will try to sing them all. 
Who has influenced you the most in your career?
I believe the music that I have heard in all these years. Artists from Jeff Buckley to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan have really influenced my taste in music. But when it comes to my personal life, then my wife and my family members are my pillars of strength. 
So you have not trained formally in any kind of music?
I don't belong to a musical family and I am not trained at all. When I was in college, I used to sing for college competitions and I used to win most of the competitions and that's how my journey started. Bollywood was everywhere even when I was growing up. I loved listening to Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar. 
Do you feel that your musical style has had to change with the changing times?
Of course, in 2003 there was a rage over soft rock music in the Pakistani music industry and then it got picked up by Bollywood. Playback back singing was different when I started. Even when I started singing qawwali four years ago, I gave a completely new rendition to that. So yes, it's about exploring and reinventing yourself all the time. 
 What are the current challenges in your life?
I don't wine and dine with the public relation agencies. It is important today, but somehow I have never been comfortable with that. 
But you are still one of the most popular singers in the subcontinent.
My last few numbers like Jab Kio Baat and Dil Diyaan Gallan have been number one on the Bollywood charts and I think it is all because of the grace of God.
Are you still in touch with Indian singer Sonu Nigam. You both showed great camaraderie during your concert in the UAE. 
I am still in touch with Sonu Nigam. Our tour started off from Dubai and we took the tour to US, Canada, South Africa, etc. The amount of love and respect that we got from people was insane. I only have good words to say about Sonu Nigam.
Do you have any routines that you perform before going on stage?
My entire team prays together before going on stage.
During your concerts in Karachi, you stopped your performance for a while after you spotted a man assaulting a female. We live in a world where many people practice the culture of silence. Does it come naturally to you to act against wrong doings? 
To be very honest, if I am on stage and I see something wrong happening in front of my eyes, then I wouldn't stay quiet. Of course, I have the authority at that point in time to make people aware that something wrong is happening. At least I can save someone from getting harassed. That's the least I can do for anyone, especially my fans. 
Why Atif won't talk about the #MeToo movement
Atif: My take is that how is it going to make any difference if I say something on that? The world is not going to change if I say something, but yes, my music has that kind of power to change my fans, if they want to be changed. I don't think that I am a preacher. I don't think if I say something, people will start following it. I do not follow the #MeToo campaign because this is what has happened in some people's lives and they have chosen to put out their experience in the public domain. But how can I comment on something that I haven't seen? People would still fight while taking sides, so I stay out of it. 
TICKET details  
Tickets are available on Platinum List UAE and start at Dhs110 (Fan Pit). The categories are priced at Dhs850 Platinum, Dhs600 Diamond, Dhs350 Gold and Dhs200 Silver. 
Please visit www.entertainment.netsurf.co.in for further details.