Across The Border

Atif Aslam Across The Border

Whilst the drama of lyrics & composition ownership continued in Pakistan, Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt called Atif Aslam to seek his consent to include "Woh Lamhey" in the soundtrack of his new motion picture, Zeher (2005). The song (especially the remix version) became a hit & dominated airplay on almost all major FM stations throughout India for a period of 6-8 months. This pattern of a slow playback song by Atif in the movie, supplemented by a remix version released for radio airplay was to become standard procedure with Atif’s songs on the Indian market.

He recorded a song for the movie Kalyug (2005), entitled Juda Hokey Bhi - a slight variation of the ever famous Aadat song. Like with “Wo Lamhey / Bheegi Yaadein”, a slow version became the theme for the movie and part of the official soundtrack, whilst a remixed version was released to hit the radio stations and desi clubs worldwide.

After recording for Kalyug, an Irani director in Hollywood contacted Atif and within very little time, Atif recorded three songs for that same director’s Hollywood movie, Man Push Cart and was rewarded with a small cameo role in the movie.

Atif re-emerged in the subcontinent with a new track, “Tere Bin” (Without You) for the Bollywood Movie, Bas Ek Pal (2006). The song "Tere Bin", composed by upcoming music director Mithoon, who was also responsible for rearranging "Woh Lamhe" and "Aadat", became a hit in India and Pakistan.



"Doorie"

Album Cover of Doorie.In December 2006, Atif Aslam released his much anticipated album called "Doorie" along with the video of the title song "Doorie" in India and Pakistan. Some of the songs in the album include "Hum kis galli", "Maula", "O re piya". One of the most critically-acclaimed tracks was "Kuch Is Tarah", composed by past collaborator Mithoon.The album was produced in collaboration with Indian lyricists and composers. A month later the video of "Hum kis galli" was released. Like the video of "Doorie", it was shot in India. The album proved to be success. The videos of doorie (remix) and Ehsaas (included in both "jal pari" and "Doorie") were released one after another in the months of march/april.

"Hungaami Halaat"

The Bollywood style of music and videos in "Doorie" has diappointed many of Atif's fans in Pakistan who had been liking Atif for his "Jal Pari" style songs. About this Atif said "Touring internationally made me think that I should take my music global by releasing it worldwide. I collaborated with a lot of people and thought up a plan for a commercial album, which is not my type of music; which is not ATIF. I just wanted to explore that side of the music. When I composed and wrote these songs for Doorie, I kept in mind that this album has to be commercial". He also told that he would soon be releasing an album named Hangami Halaat which would be an original 'atif style' album. Regarding his videos he says "I think that was a requirement because the Indian audience can never accept my 'Mahi Vey' video or my 'Rangoun Mein' video. They have a different concept about a pop or a rock icon. He has to be a heart throb. Girls here can't sit on motor bikes, in India girls ride them. It's a different culture altogether. They (my Indian videos) are for an international audience

Controversies

Controversies began surrounding Atif from the beginning of his solo career. Many of Atif's critics accused him of stealing songs from former band mate Gohar Mumtaz. Both Atif and Gohar laid claim on songs like "Aadat", "Dil Harey", "Woh Lamhey" and "Zindagi". Still no one knows whose creations actually these songs are. Aadat was eventually released on both Atif's Jal Pari and on Jals album ironically named Aadat. Atif has been accused by many of his pakistani fans of spreading himself too thinly and due to the release of his commercial album (Doorie) which resulted in him releasing a the album Hungaami Halaat within a few months of Doories release.

Awards

Best song, Best Composition, Best Lyrics "Aadat"- 2nd Jazz Indus Music Awards (Pakistan)

Best playback singer, Best debut singer - Sahara Sangeet Awards (India)

Best Song, Best Lyricist, Best Composition - ARY Music Awards (Pakistan)

Most Wanted Male - The Musik Awards (Pakistan)

BEST POP STAR OF THE YEAR in FILMAZIA AWARDS (pakistan)

Discography

Albums

Jal Pari (July 2004)
Doorie (December 2006)
Hungami Halat (Leaked February 2007)