Atif Aslam breaks silence on India ban: “I thank those who banned me…” says fans still find his music through VPNs

New Delhi: Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has spoken publicly about the restrictions on Pakistani artists in India, saying he has been unable to work in the country for more than a decade. Despite the ban, the singer claimed that his music continues to reach Indian listeners, with many fans accessing it through VPNs and other online platforms.

Speaking in an interview with Kris Fade on the YouTube show One on One with Kris Fade, Atif reflected on how the restrictions changed the direction of his career. According to the singer, being away from the Indian film industry pushed him to focus on creating his own independent music.

“I haven’t done a song there in the last ten years,” Atif said during the interview. He added that many of his admirers still manage to listen to his songs through VPN services or by sharing music among themselves. While clarifying that he does not support piracy, the singer remarked that music eventually finds its audience.

Discussing his absence from Bollywood, Atif said the decision was part of broader restrictions imposed on Pakistani artists. He noted that Indian artists are also currently restricted from working in Pakistan, describing the situation as a consequence of decisions taken by both countries.

The restrictions on Pakistani artists in India began to tighten after the Uri terror attack in 2016, when several performances involving Pakistani musicians were cancelled and industry bodies opposed their participation in Indian projects. The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) later passed a resolution discouraging the hiring of Pakistani actors, singers, and technicians.

ALSO READ : Ranabaali Release Date: Vijay Deverakonda-Rashmika Mandanna Film Delayed After Actress’ Injury? Here’s the New Date Doing the Rounds…

Following the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, entertainment industry associations, including the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA), reiterated their stand against collaborations with Pakistani artists. Cross-border entertainment ties became even more limited after the Pahalgam terror attack in 2025, with several planned projects being shelved and access to the social media accounts of many Pakistani celebrities restricted for users in India.

Despite these developments, Atif expressed gratitude to his Indian fans for continuing to support his music over the years. He said he misses his listeners in India, even though he has adapted to working outside the Bollywood playback ecosystem.

“I don’t miss working there, but I miss you guys,” the singer said, addressing his Indian audience.

Atif also described the unexpected positive impact of the restrictions on his artistic journey. According to him, the absence of playback singing opportunities encouraged him to discover his own creative identity.

“I thank those who have banned me as well; otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to explore myself,” he said, adding that the experience motivated him to produce more original music instead of depending solely on film songs.

Before becoming one of Bollywood’s most recognised playback voices, Atif gained popularity as a member of the Pakistani rock band Jal. His song Aadat became a massive hit before he entered Hindi cinema. Over the years, he delivered several memorable Bollywood tracks, including Woh Lamhe, Pehli Nazar Mein, Tu Jaane Na, Tere Bin, and Dil Diyan Gallan, making him one of the most popular singers among Indian audiences.

While political relations between India and Pakistan continue to influence cultural exchanges, Atif’s latest remarks have once again sparked conversations about music, cross-border collaborations, and the enduring connection between artists and their fans.