Atif Aslam reflects on decade-long India music ban
Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has spoken about his decade-long absence from the Indian music industry, reflecting on the ban imposed on Pakistani artistes following the 2016 Uri attack.
In an interview with Kris Fade on his YouTube channel, the 43-year-old singer discussed how the restrictions affected his professional relationship with India and his millions of fans there. Atif said it had been almost 10 years since he was banned from working in India, explaining that the decision was made by the Indian government.
He also pointed out that Indian artistes have faced similar restrictions in Pakistan, describing the situation as something beyond the control of individual musicians.
Atif revealed that he has not recorded a song for the Indian market during the past decade. Despite the ban, however, he said his music continues to reach Indian listeners through different means. According to the singer, some fans use VPNs to access his music, while others share his songs through CDs.
Although he made it clear that he does not support piracy, Atif said music ultimately finds its way to audiences who want to listen to it.
Addressing his Indian fans directly, the singer delivered an emotional message and assured them that he has not forgotten them. He said he does not necessarily miss working in India but genuinely misses the people who supported his music throughout the years.
Atif also reflected on how the ban unexpectedly influenced his artistic journey. He explained that his experience with playback singing had taught him a great deal, but the absence of opportunities in India pushed him to focus more deeply on creating his own music.
Rather than viewing the ban entirely negatively, Atif said the situation gave him an opportunity to explore himself creatively. He expressed gratitude to his supporters as well as those responsible for the restrictions, suggesting that the circumstances ultimately encouraged him to develop a different side of his musical identity.
The restrictions on Pakistani artistes in India began in the aftermath of the September 2016 Uri attack. The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association subsequently called on its members to stop working with Pakistani artistes. Restrictions became even stronger following the 2019 Pulwama attack, when the All India Cine Workers Association announced a complete ban on Pakistani actors working in Indian cinema.
Despite being unable to work in India for years, Atif has remained one of the most popular Pakistani singers among Indian audiences. His connection with Indian music lovers dates back to his breakthrough with “Aadat,” which featured in the 2005 Bollywood film Kalyug.
He later became known for several successful Bollywood songs, including “Tera Hone Laga Hoon,” “Tere Sang Yaara” and other popular tracks that strengthened his position as one of the region’s most recognised playback singers.
Atif’s latest comments highlight the lasting connection between his music and Indian listeners, even after years of political and industry-level restrictions.
