Atif Aslam Rocked the O2!

To a packed house over 9000 fans strong Atif Aslam rocked London’s world famous The O2 and gave a four-hour, yes four-hour, performance fans will never forget! It definitely was a Dhamaka aka explosion of sound, sights, song, moves and music! Aslam made history as the first Pakistani singer to perform at this coveted venue. Joining the singer on stage at the O2, were UK’s most popular dance troupe Bolly Flex, led by choreographer Leena Patel. Dhamaka certainly was a hit in London!

You have heard Atif Aslam on songs like ‘Tere Liye’ from Prince, ‘Piya O Re Piya’ from Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya and ‘Tu Jaane Na’ from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and he treated fans to some of his biggest hits. Looking cool and edgy in his special headgear, which was created by his brother, especially for the O2, he truly lived up to his rock star image on stage that night.

Talking about the concert he said, “I was really excited about performing at the O2 arena. It was a special performance for me and my band, The Aadeez. I loved the London crowd, it was an amazing night.”

One of the highlights of the evening was Aslam’s rendition of the popular Bollywood ballad, ‘Pehli Nazar Main’ from Race. In a special arrangement the song was slowed down, with the addition of a grand piano, played by Jonathan J Paul from India. The audience went wild singing along and the arena was filled with mobile phones lit up, in true ‘rock concert’ fashion.

Another highlight was captured on film by the official concert and esteemed photographer Akin Aworan. A girl ran towards the stage barriers with poster of Atif. He beckoned and the poster got to him. Then this happened…

And the audience roared with appreciation!

Of course those are just two of the highlight in a night full of great moments. We happened to see this and we think it says it perfectly, “Just experienced the best ever performance from a singer who has created history for being the first Pakistani to set foot on the O2 arena stage. Atif Aslam – a real rock star, concludes tonight by saying – “I don’t believe in borders. I believe in music. I want to see you all come together.” ♥ New fan, love this music.”

The Flex tour then continued to Glasgow and Manchester, where Atif has the audience eating out of his hand. In Glasgow, there was a little baby in the 4th row. When Atif spotted the baby, he started singing towards the child. The baby got carried forward and he took the baby onto the stage and sang to the baby, who as evidently a fan and very content at listening to his voice. The crowd watched on in awe.

Atif did do a improvisation with Funky Dholis in Manchester and brought a new dimension to his set. The audience loved the Bhangra fusion that juxtaposed on stage.

As you can see Atif Aslam and Bollyflex killed it all over the UK!

About the entire concert series Dhamaka’s artistic director Naz Choudhury said, “For me, Atif Aslam deserved the O2. After every show, I noticed how Atif always went out of his way to meet the fans and really give them something back, after spending a lot of time with him, I saw he was so humble yet full of unbelievable talent. It feels like he has become a part of Flex FX and an icon of the Dhamaka brand. He was a rock through all the challenges and deserves the stardom. Atif is a true rock star.” Source:www.bollyspice.com

I am living a dream, says Atif Aslam

MUSCAT: He took everyone by surprise when he plunged into the world of acting. But then, it is music that has always excited Pakistani pop singer Atif Aslam. The singing sensation is here in Muscat for his show titled ‘Salaam 2011’, which is slated at the City Amphitheatre in Qurum tonight.

Speaking exclusively to Times of Oman yesterday, Aslam, who has a growing fan following in the sub-continent, especially after he made his name in Bollywood, talked about the acting offers he has been receiving following the success of his debut Pakistani film Bol.

Bol’s success
“My primary intention was to encourage Pakistani cinema and I got a great response from the film. I have got a few offers that I might consider if the scripts are good. But I do not want to disclose anything on that issue now, but yes they are intriguing,” he said. Bol is the tale of a depressed Lahore-based girl living in a male-dominated society struggling to find her own identity. Aslam plays the amiable neighbour.

However, it is music that fascinates the young Pakistani singer, who has several Bollywood hits to his credit. “I want to focus more on music. What I am today and the reason why I am talking to you now is all because of the fame I earned through music,” he reiterated. As part of his intention to promote the goodwill of Pakistan, Aslam is currently working on an international project titled The Dreamer Awakes, along with the American band Guns N’ Roses, which is due for release this summer.

“I just recorded a song with Guns N’ Roses, and we are working on this album. You know people see me as a rock star who can sing and dance, so I want to change that perception. The purpose behind the album is to tell the world that Pakistan is not a dangerous nation, but is a peaceful country,” said Aslam, who burst onto the Pakistani pop scene after his hugely successful solo album Jal Pari in 2004.

Its popularity transcended borders and soon he was flooded with Bollywood playback singing offers for movies including Race (Pehli Nazar Mein) and Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani (Tu Jaane Na). But in spite of his huge popularity­­­ — he has close to 2.1 million fans on Facebook — Aslam would like to downplay his success as a singer.

Dream run
“I believe that this fame came by chance and I am living a dream now. I am blessed to see so many people who want to be in my shoes. I am thankful to God but I still believe that I am responsible for quite a lot of things,” he noted.

His show tonight will have the best of his popular Bollywood songs and from his personal albums.

“I was expecting a standing crowd but I was told that it is a seated event. But I want my audience to dance and sing with me which will give me the energy to sing all night,” he explained. The show, being organised by Roar Entertainment, will begin at 8pm. The gates for the show will open at 6:30pm. Source

Atif’s music goes global

Singer might collaborate with John Mayer, Coldplay and Jimmy Page

He is looking forward to the Indian release of his acting debut, ‘Bol’, but if all goes well, Pakistani singer Atif Aslam will be part of a much bigger partnership, reports the Times of India. He might just end up collaborating with big-ticket musicians like John Mayer, Coldplay and Jimmy Page (the founder of famous hard rockband Led Zeppelin). Aslam is a member of The Sonic Peacemakers’ ‘Pakistan America: Peace Through Music’ — a project aimed to bring Americans and Pakistanis closer, and support and develop the country’s artistic talent.

“Whenever I’m in the US, I keep aside a week to work only on my collaborations with artistes. Be it raising money or tying up with musicians, I’m doing everything on my own,” says Atif. “We are planning to collaborate with Mayer, Coldplay and Jimmy Page, but nothing is finalised yet.”

A hit Bollywood singer too, Atif says, “I’m keeping my fingers crossed because, after all, they are busy people.” But is it likely to happen? “We will keep everyone informed about it,” he says.

Atif has already recorded four songs with the ex-members of iconic American band Guns N’ Roses — Slash, Gliby Clarke and Chris Pitman for the album The Dreamer Awakes. “With the initiative, I plan to bring Pakistani singers — including our Sufi singers — and American artistes together for musical collaborations,” he says.

Regarding the upcoming release of Shoaib Mansoor’s Bol, Atif mentions, “It’s always exciting to work on new projects. ‘Bol’ is a very serious film and not just meant for pure entertainment.” Admitting that he was nervous about the film, he adds, “Although I have acted in my music videos and that helped, mouthing dialogues, that too intense ones, is a completely different ballgame. Shoaib Mansoor is a one-of-a-kind director. I loved his last film, ‘Khuda Ke Liye’.” Credit : Daily Times Pakistan 

Atif Aslam acting debut due for release

Atif Aslam is to make his acting debut in Shoaib Mansoor's Bol, it has been revealed.
The Pakistani singer will play a lead role in the filmmaker's follow-up to Khuda Kay Liye.

A source for Eros International outlined: "The film is based in Lahore and aims at highlighting the sorry plight of women who are treated as a worthless burden to a family in most parts of the society.

"The film narrates the story of a girl, a daughter who stands up and challenges the age old societal norms of treating women as lesser beings."

The project also features Humaima Malick, Iman Ali, Mahira Khan, Manzar Sehbai and Shafaqat Cheema, alongside the 'Pehli Nazar Mein' singer.

The film is reported to also contain music from the 28-year-old star.

Eros International is scheduled to release the film on May 20.