Published : 12 Aug 2026, 08:49 PM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:32 AM
Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has opened up about the 10-year ban that stopped him from working in India, saying he misses Indian fans even though he does not miss working there.
Pakistani artistes were barred from working in India in 2016 after tensions rose following the Uri terror attack, Indian broadcaster NDTV reports.
Atif was among the major names affected and has not recorded a song for the Indian music industry since, it added.
But his Indian fanbase never really left. Speaking on the “One on One with Kris Fade” podcast, Atif said fans use VPNs and even share CDs to keep listening to his music.
He said he misses Indian listeners and has learned a lot from playback singing, but does not miss working in India.
Atif also credited the ban with pushing him towards his own music.
He said that without it, he might not have explored himself as an artist to the same extent, while thanking fans for standing by him.
Atif is not slowing down either, with plans for an album almost every year and collaborations across the industry.
His next project “Borderless World” brings together artistes across generations, along with composers, lyricists and choreographers, according to the outlet.
He finally gave fans his fourth album “Subah Aye Na” on Jul 31, nearly 18 years after his last one “Meri Kahani” in 2008.
