Pakistani singer Atif Aslam addresses his long absence from India’s music industry, saying he does not miss working there despite nearly 10 years without releasing songs in the country. Speaking on YouTube, he tells Indian fans he misses them and adds that his music still reaches them through alternative ways.
Atif says his fans listen to his songs despite restrictions, including by accessing music through virtual private networks (VPNs) and sharing CDs via acquaintances. He also acknowledges that piracy is involved, though he frames it as a consequence of how widely music can travel.
In explaining the ban, Atif says it is tied to a broader government decision affecting Pakistani artistes, while noting that Indian artistes have also faced restrictions in Pakistan. He says the ban indirectly helped his artistic growth by pushing him to make his own music rather than focusing on playback work in India. Times of India and Free Press Journal both report his remarks that he is grateful for the restrictions as a catalyst for self-discovery, even as he maintains contact with fans.
