Atif Aslam’s American agenda

Atif Aslam believes his collaboration will create inroads for other Pakistani musicians. PHOTO: EPA

KARACHI: Pop sensation Atif Aslam has teamed up with ex-Guns N’ Roses members for an album. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Aslam said that Pakistan is very talented especially in the field of music and his joint venture will provide yet another international platform to the local music industry.

The first track of the album has already been recorded in Los Angeles, he said. The band members left the iconic band to form Velvet Revolver with Slash.

“Collaborating with the band is a success for the whole music industry in Pakistan,” he said. During the press conference the singer said, “As per the contract with the American band, I will be able to represent Pakistani culture in this album. It will clear many misunderstandings about Pakistan.”

The album is called The Dreamer Awakes.

Aslam said, “The first track of the album is in Punjabi and its music has been composed by the American partners.”

“Americans want to know about Pakistani art and culture,” he said. “This effort is initiated to bring the two nations closer.”

The joint venture comes after Aslam’s massive success in India. The musician has sung playback for several Bollywood films, including Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Race.

Though Pakistani singers have frequently collaborated with Bollywood, the music industry has very few examples of Pakistani artists working with western musicians.

Aslam believes this will make new inroads for his peers.

“My project will also benefit other singers. I will try to introduce them on an international level through this album,” he said.

Aslam is also making his debut as an actor this year. The musician is playing the lead role in Shoaib Mansoor’s film, Bol, which also stars Umaima Abbasi and Mahira Khan.

Aslam said, “I wanted to begin my acting career from Pakistan which is why I worked in Shoaib Mansoor’s film. Depending on the response for this film, I will decide about working in Bollywood movies. If it fails, I will continue with music.”

Bol is scheduled to release this fall.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd, 2010.