On US tour, Atif Aslam in concert

Atif Aslam’s entrance onto the stage at a packed stadium in New Jersey this past weekend was quite the act; he moonwalked backwards onto the stage and then spun around in classic Atif style. The crowd was singing, swaying, swooning and totally smitten by his performance and talent. He actually inspired one gentleman to go right in front of the stage and kneel down till his lady love joined him. The crowd cheered for the young couple as the girl accepted the ring and twirled around to the romantic lyrics that serenaded everyone. Atif paused his song to say ‘Congratulations my man’ and the already smitten crowd was completely awestruck.

He continued to put up an all-encompassing fantastic show – crooned his top songs and paid tribute to Pakistan’s legendary artists like Reshma ji and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The icing on the cake was his rendition of ‘Tajdar-e-Haram’ that moved the crowd spiritually. The predominantly Indian/Hindu crowd received ‘Tajdar-e-Haram’ with the same if not with more respect than it was delivered in. A standing ovation followed. This was testimony of how political and religious rifts come in the way of pure, untainted and appreciative hearts. When such barriers are removed, everyone, regardless of their background, is receptive to talent that arouses positive emotions in us mere mortals.

The South East Asian community in the US waits for Atif to tour the US and books their tickets way well in advance. They look forward to his performance for months and every single time, he rises beyond their expectations to give his top-notch performance. As was also the case this time around. Atif kept the audience engaged by of course, primarily his performance, but also by showing glimpses of his personality and being funny with his band members. He constantly communicated with the crowd, and connected with each individual in his own way.

The crowd was well behaved and though at one point towards the end, almost everyone was in front of the stage, making videos, taking pictures and getting as much of the rock star as they could, there was no misbehaving at all. Atif gives respect and commands respect in his own way.

I had first interviewed Atif more than a decade ago, just when he had just started his journey. So much had changed since then and yet not much had changed in Atif as a person at all. Sure, he has evolved and matured as we all must do, but he is the same boy as he was in his yesteryears.

Shortly after the NJ concert ended, Atif had a flight to LA for a gig the very next day. Fortunately, we were able to connect for a bit before his flight and catch up on his thoughts on the night’s experience.

“The NJ experience was awesome and I loved it!” he exclaimed. “It was a fun crowd and I had a great time performing for the people tonight. It was a big moment for me when I got a standing ovation for ‘Tajdar-e Haram’, knowing the fact that the audience was mostly Indian and not Pakistani.”

That’s Atif in his raw form – unabashed, he says it like it is whether you love it or hate it. Most celebrities are people pleasers and keep their own quirks hidden from the public, pretending to be perfect when perfection is an abstract concept and does not even exist. Atif is just the opposite and that’s what makes him real.

In today’s world being yourself and being proud of who you are is quite refreshing and very charming too. Atif brings that charm into his performances. When he’s acting we know it’s a put-up act such as his dramatic ‘adaayein’ during the concert. His dramatic flair has come a long way and now he not only sings but acts, dances, and goes the extra mile to make it a memorable experience for the audience.

“Respect and money is given from Allah – no one else. I don’t need to pretend to be someone I’m not,” he commented. “That is not a sustainable model for living life. If I had to put up an act to be someone else, that would be more work and more hectic than my own work and schedule! Being true to myself and staying the person I am is very important to me. It keeps me sane and grounded.”

Atif talked openly about the reason as to why he’s not a judge on Pepsi Battle of the Bands this season.“For me it’s always a matter of principles, not money or dates – all of that can be managed if the right principles are in place. Unfortunately, they were not and I called it off.” When asked about the celebrity sexual harassment issue going on in Pakistan, he said that since he does not know the truth, it would not be fair for him to comment on it.

We returned to talking about the phenomenal show he had just performed in New Jersey and why he was in NJ for just the duration of his gig.

“As much fun as the gig was and as amazing as the crowd’s energy was tonight, there is nothing to do in NJ,” he said. What about New York? Would he spend time there? “I’m not crazy about NYC either,” he said. “I love the West coast and have a couple of days in LA, which I’m looking forward to. I also really like Vancouver; it’s beautiful.”

At that time, I recalled that many years ago, when Atif and I had met in NYC, he was shopping for his first motor bike. Being the ardent bike rider that he is, he probably enjoys frolicking through the streets of LA and riding his bike around the pristine beaches on the West coast. Vancouver with its gorgeous scenery and mountainous landscape is also a biker’s paradise.

We wish him a safe ride as he journeys through life making rules, breaking rules, yet always accountable and proud of his own actions and decision.