Mumbai: Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has opened up about his nearly decade-long absence from India, saying that restrictions on Pakistani artistes have not stopped his Indian fans from listening to his music. The singer said fans continue to find ways to access his songs, including through VPNs, and stressed that music will eventually reach its listeners.
Aslam made the comments while reflecting on the restrictions that have kept him away from India’s entertainment industry for almost 10 years. He also said that while he misses his Indian fans, he does not miss working in India in the same way, suggesting that the ban pushed him to explore himself more deeply as an independent artiste.
Atif Aslam says fans use VPNs to hear his songs
Speaking about his continued popularity in India, Aslam acknowledged that his music remains accessible to listeners despite restrictions.
The singer said Indian fans are still listening to his music through VPNs and other means. Reports also said that some fans have continued to seek out his music through alternative channels, demonstrating the enduring popularity of his voice among Indian listeners.
For Aslam, the continued connection with his Indian audience appears to be more important than the formal barriers that have prevented him from working in the country’s entertainment industry.
‘My music will definitely reach you’
Aslam also shared an emotional message for his Indian listeners, saying that people who genuinely love his music will know where to find it.
He expressed confidence that his music would continue to reach audiences regardless of restrictions. He also thanked Indian fans for continuing to support his songs and albums.
The singer’s comments underline the relationship he has maintained with Indian listeners despite being unable to perform and record for the Indian entertainment industry for years.
Atif says he misses his Indian fans
While discussing his absence from India, Aslam made a distinction between missing his audience and missing his professional work in the country.
He said he misses his Indian fans, but does not necessarily miss working in India.
His comments suggest that the affection he has for Indian listeners remains strong even though his career has moved in a different direction during the years he has been unable to work in the country.
How the restrictions affected Atif’s career
Atif Aslam’s relationship with the Indian entertainment industry changed dramatically after tensions between India and Pakistan intensified.
In 2016, restrictions were imposed on Pakistani artistes amid heightened tensions following the Uri terror attack. The restrictions were subsequently reinforced after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, when the All India Cine Workers Association announced a ban on Pakistani artistes working in India.
Aslam has consequently not recorded a new song for the Indian music industry in around a decade.
The ban changed his approach to music
Interestingly, Aslam does not view the period only negatively.
The singer said he is grateful even to those who banned him because the situation forced him to explore himself as an artiste.
According to his comments, being separated from the Indian film industry gave him an opportunity to concentrate more on independent music and develop his artistic identity outside Bollywood.
This perspective has allowed him to look back at the difficult period as one that ultimately contributed to his creative growth.
Atif Aslam’s Bollywood connection remains strong
Before the restrictions, Aslam had established himself as one of the most recognisable Pakistani voices in Bollywood.
He made his Bollywood singing debut with “Aadat”, and went on to deliver popular songs including Woh Lamhe, Jeena Jeena and Dil Diyan Gallan. His distinctive voice made him particularly popular among Indian listeners.
Even after his work in India’s film industry stopped, many of his older songs continued to have a strong presence among Indian music fans.
Music continues to cross borders
Aslam’s comments also highlight how difficult it can be to completely separate audiences from music.
Political tensions and government restrictions can affect where artistes perform and which new projects they participate in. However, songs that have already built a connection with listeners can continue to circulate through different channels.
For Aslam, the continued interest from Indian listeners is evidence that his artistic connection with them has survived the prolonged absence.
Atif thanks his loyal Indian audience
The singer expressed gratitude towards Indian fans who have continued to support him.
He acknowledged that listeners have continued to show affection for his music and attend his concerts outside India.
His comments also suggest that he does not want his Indian audience to feel that the years of separation have weakened that connection.
Instead, he believes that listeners who genuinely value his music will continue to find it.
A decade away from the Indian music industry
The length of Aslam’s absence is particularly notable considering how closely his career was once connected to Bollywood.
Almost 10 years after the restrictions began, he remains one of the Pakistani singers most strongly associated with Indian popular music.
His latest remarks therefore revive discussion around his place in India’s music culture and the enduring popularity of Pakistani artistes among Indian audiences.
Conclusion
Atif Aslam has spoken about his nearly decade-long absence from India’s entertainment industry, saying that Indian fans continue to listen to his music through VPNs and other means despite the restrictions.
The singer said he misses his Indian fans but does not miss working in India, adding that the restrictions ultimately encouraged him to explore himself as an independent artiste. He also thanked those who continued to support his music and expressed confidence that his songs would continue to reach listeners.
For an artiste whose Bollywood songs remain popular years after their release, Aslam’s comments underline the lasting connection between his music and Indian audiences.