Pakistani pop singer Atif Aslam, who performs in Dubai on June 17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, found himself at the centre of trolls when he sang the ballad Selfish in this year’s Eid release Race 3.
The lines such as ‘So ik baar baby selfish hoke apne liye jiyo na’ from the action film was written by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, but that didn’t insulate it from being mercilessly trolled. Memes were instantly generated asking Khan to stick to acting, with some even branding the song Aslam’s worst song of his career.
Suffice to say, Aslam’s husky notes and impressive command of the romantic genre couldn’t save Selfish, which was pure torture for most. So why did Aslam, 35, who’s an expert at belting out romantic songs, agree to be a part of a song with questionable lyrics?
“He wanted me to sing that song. He wanted me to be a part of the composition and he wrote the lyrics for the very first time. He has been very kind enough that he has made me a part of his films before. I thought of giving it back to him,” said Aslam in an interview with Gulf News tabloid!. ‘He’ in this inglorious instance is superstar Salman Khan, who enjoys immense clout in Bollywood. The film folklore has it that you never turn down any of his commands as it may be career suicide for any singer. Aslam believes his motives for taking on Selfish were purely selfless as his admiration for Khan transcended any other factor such as merit. His next thought underlines his staunch belief.
“I thought of doing the song for him and I have no regrets… For me lyrics are the most important thing in a song. And if they don’t have meaning, I would never sing them — unless and until someone who loves your work asks me to do so.”
It’s clear that Aslam, whose hits include Dil Diya Gallan, Tere Sang Yaara, Woh Lamhe and Kuch Iss Tarah, made an exception here. His process, on any other day, is to size up the lyrics and the melody. Those are the only two factors that matter when it comes to his song choices in his career.
“I don’t think about the cast, I don’t pay attention to how much money is going to be pumped into a film, what is the market and the budget… I have no concern about that.”
Aslam is invariably on a quest to reinvent himself through his ballads.
“I never thought about making music because it has to be a hit. There are so many better singers out there who are better trained in music, but I am probably the chosen one… I have not discovered any formula for staying relevant,” said Aslam, adding that he knows several talented musicians who are still waiting for a break into the industry.
The self-made musician has never taken his success or his popularity for granted.
Perhaps that’s a reason why he doesn’t shy away from celebrating Eid with his fans in the UAE. It’s his way of paying back to the people who made him a star to reckon with in the music scene. Working on Eid, which is a public holiday, is a small price to pay.
“You know the amount of love that I get from them is just insane. I have to really reciprocate it. And I love the way they listen to my music and how they appreciate my music.”
Before hitting the stage, he has this ritual of observing a joint prayer. He also picks up random fans from the social media and surprises them with free tickets to his gig. It’s his way of thanking them for their incredible support over the years.
“I get all my energy from them… All I want is for them to have fun and that’s what keeps me going.”
Aslam, who began his career with the 2004 album Jal Pari, believes his fans are his extended family.
“I have been a part of my fan’s lives they say. They always call me and say that ‘you have been in our make-ups and break-ups’ … I did a show recently when a 98-year-old lady came on stage and said she loved my songs. I believe that she must have been in love and that my song evoked many emotions in her.”
For Aslam, it’s the prospect of travelling with his music and interacting with fans that give him the greatest joy. Recently, he even promoted a young boy on social media and transformed him into an instant celebrity when he said that he would love to collaborate with the rising talent. Plucking talented musicians from obscurity is also one of his ways of paying back from the incredible love that he has received over the years from music fans.
“Honestly, I don’t remember getting such support when I was young. We just looked up to all our musical icons. They were too busy in their own lives and even if we wanted to get in touch with them I never found any appreciation … I remember that kid,” said Aslam.
Music isn’t his sole claim to fame. The singer also acted in the film Bol.
“But films are not my first priority. Though I enjoyed myself a lot. I am happy where I am.”
While music is his first love, he doesn’t believe in using his art for political or social change.
“I have never composed a song keeping in mind that I should touch any social issues. If my music has power, I don’t have to hashtag anything. If it has to connect with someone, it will. That has been my experience.”
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The details
What: Atif Aslam live in concert
Where: Shaikh Rashid Hall
When: June 17
Time: 8pm
Tickets: Dh110 onwards.
Quote/Unquote
“Just keep loving my music,” Atif Aslam’s message to his fans.
