Atif Aslam: Sad, emotional songs come easily to me

His music is all heart and soul and that is what has got Atif Aslam millions of fans and love globally. The singer, who has given many hits in the Hindi film industry, and is known for his soulful renditions, is also looking forward to acting in movies, provided he gets ���intense and meaningful��� roles. He talks to us about his new song in ���Loveshhuda��� and more. Excerpts from the interview���
How did the song ���Mar Jaayen��� from the movie ���Loveshhuda��� happen?
I wanted to work with Mithoon since a long time.Actually, around eight years ago, we had worked together on my album ���Kuch Iss Tarah���. This time, it was the label that brought us together and it was great working with him once again. He can captivate and adapt emotions in songs. He knows the kind of singers he wants. At that point of time, since it was for my album, it was different ��� there was no situation involved, there was no character to think about ��� it was straight from the heart. When you sing for a film, you have to keep the character in mind and there are so many creative people around you, who you have to think of.
What was the brief for this song?
Mithoon just told me, ���Sing from your soul��� and that is what I did. There was no other brief. I didn���t know the story and we recorded the song in just about two hours.
Singing wasn't Atif Aslam's first love
Are you always so quick with recordings?
Actually it depends on the song ��� if it is emotional, moody or sad, it works out better for me. This track was an emotional one and so, I finished doing it quickly.
So, you are more comfortable with melancholic numbers?
I am comfortable doing both kinds of songs ��� sad as well as peppy. It is just that for a happy song you need to gear yourself up. You can try different styles and experiment with it or sing it in many ways ��� that is the reason it takes longer to record such numbers. Sad, emotional songs come easily to me.
What do you have to say about this song?
I really like the hook line, ���Tujhse juda hone ka tasavur, ek gunah sa lagta hai���. Both lyrically and composition wise, this song has a very big stage hook to it. There are so many minor notes happening in ���Khwab mein bhi jo dekhle ye, Raat ki neendein ud jaaye,��� which is beautiful. This is one of the reasons I wanted to sing this number. I know that I still have to sing that ���one best song��� of my life but this one definitely comes close.
How important are lyrics for a song to be a hit?
For me, the lyrics are the most important part of any song. Unless the listener is connected to the words, he won���t get the vibe and it won���t be a hit. The lyrics have to touch the listener and they should be able to relate to it ��� the heartbreaks, emotions and happiness have to be relatable. Listeners should feel, ���Arre this song is about me, this is what had happened with me���.
What are you working on these days?
I am working on singles and am planning to go back to my roots. I have recorded a couple of songs and will do a few more. My recent shows in Singapore and Malaysia were unbelievable. I never expected that kind of warmth from the audience.
Your favourite music director and singer?
AR Rahman is at the top of my list. I really love him. He has produced amazing songs. I also like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. And I feel Sonu Nigam is one of the greatest playback singers of all times. I revere S P Balasubrahmanyam.
Many playback singers have faced the camera as actors and also turned directors. What are your plans?
I think main pehle ek kaam theek tarah se kar loon... I had debuted with Shoaib Mansoor���s ���Bol���. It was critically acclaimed. Post that, I have not got the right kind of script. I would love to act. I am looking for something that intrigues and interests me. I don���t know why but people feel that I don���t want to act ��� but that���s not true. I am looking for an intense story.
Listen to Atif Aslam on Gaana.com
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