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Atif Aslam never wanted to be a professional singer

Atif Aslam never wanted to be a professional singer

He also admitted to being a snooty and lonely child in a recent interview.
10 Mar, 2021

Known for his long list of mesmerising tunes that millions of people jam to — singer Atif Aslam is easily one of the most popular names in Pakistan.

However, he shocked fans with the revelation that singing wasn't his first choice of profession. He wanted to be a cricketer instead.

He recently appeared on AB Talks with Anas Bukhash, a YouTube show that highlights the human aspect of celebrities and influencers, and discussed a side of himself many people might not know.

The interview began with Aslam admitting how Covid forced him to sit down with his family, spend some time with them and be grateful for the blessings they had.

Much to the surprise of his fans, Aslam admitted to being a rather snooty kid who lost a lot of friends because of his own behaviour. He said he didn't have a close relationship with his brothers due to their age difference.

"My childhood wasn't so great with my brothers," he began, explaining how he was the youngest (and by default the most bullied). "But now it's amazing. Now we bond really well," he said, admitting they grew up to be friends.

Initially, it was this loneliness that made him explore a new side of himself that he wasn't previously aware of.

"I was an athlete. I was planning to become a professional cricketer. But I gave up on that because my parents knew it was just a hobby, not something serious. I guess they didn't know how good I was," the Hona Tha Pyaar singer said.

"I gave up on that because they wanted me to study. I was missing out on my studies because my interest was in taking wickets. And then I explored myself [but] didn't have any outlet. I became quiet, I became lonely and then I heard Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan with Michael Brooks... and there was no turning back," he said, revealing how the album had a mesmerising effect on him.

"It started calming me, making me pray to God — and when I started praying, it made me look for answers." he said, eventually explaining how that self exploration then led him to realise he was gifted with a beautiful voice.

Aslam holds his father in very high regard. "My father has taught me consistency, how to treat others, and how to be stubborn professionally," he said, crediting his focus and hard work to him. However, it wasn't until his first song Aadat was released that he revealed to his parents that he was a singer.

"I didn't tell my parents about the first song," Aslam laughed. "I said I was going to go with it. After three years, the neighbours came over one day and told my father 'oh your son has a great voice.' My father ignored them, and then said 'wait what are you talking about' and they said 'oh his song is great'. Initially, he didn't like it but after people started praising my parents saying 'he's great', 'a lot of people know him' and 'he's doing well for himself' — I think they came around."

Comments

Fast comment Mar 10, 2021 07:20pm
Who says he’s a qualified singer. He hasn’t disclosed where he learned singing. Nobody knows about his ustad, remember only those are bonafide qualified singers who know full knowledge of classical music, others are just humming birds.
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Alexa Mar 10, 2021 10:11pm
I wonder if we hear his original voice on the tape. His voice is usually enhanced with the latest equipment to make it appear more catchy.
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NYS Mar 10, 2021 11:21pm
No doubt he has produced handsome number of catchy beats .. In cricket he can prove his mettle as showbiz county member
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Irfan ul Huq Mar 11, 2021 04:48am
@Alexa Everyone voice is enhance and improve through a procesar.Atif at the has a unique quality in his voice.
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Irfan ul Huq Mar 11, 2021 04:55am
@Fast comment So Kishore Kumat and Alamgir are not singers in your eyes so be it no one needs certificate from you it is people who decide who to listen And if more and more people like a singer then he is a popular singer
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Abu Shady Mar 11, 2021 07:56am
Do not know what his claim to professional singing is? He is a pretty mediocre singer compared to the greats that Pakistan has produced and can really be proud of: Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Mehndi Hassan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ghulam Ali, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. In the present generation Paksitan has an accomplished singer like Shafqat Amanat Ali. Atif Aslam stands no where in this group.
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Tania Mar 11, 2021 07:53pm
Atif Aslam I love your singing. Infact I should say you are blessed with a mesmerizing voice. I listen to all your songs. Rock on
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