Haven't released 150 songs as business models changed: Atif

Popular Pakistani musician Atif Aslam hasn't released any album since "Meri Kahani" (2008) despite having a "library of 150 songs". The "Tere bin" crooner says the trend has now shifted from albums to singles and music lovers prefer downloading from online platforms to purchasing physical copies from brick-and-mortar stores.

"All these years... I've composed my music as well. I have a complete library... a library of 150 songs at the moment. I haven't released them because the business model has completely changed," Atif, who made his Bollywood singing debut with "Woh lamhe" in the 2005 film "Zeher", told IANS.

"I'm again trying to do independent music now. I'm working on a couple of songs. I will release them by the end of this year. They are not going to be an album... just singles. That's the trend now," added the Lahore-based star, who was in India for the Royal Stag MTV Bollyland multi-city concerts.

Consisting of youth anthems like "Aadat" and "Bheegi yaadein", "Jal Pari" released in Pakistan in 2004. Two years later, his "Doorie" album hit the stores in India too and after "Meri Kahani", his fans -- whom he fondly calls 'aadeez'-- have been waiting patiently for the rocker to unveil his new collection of self-composed tracks.

"You don't want to waste your effort. You have to follow certain rules and regulations and business model. You don't run them. As far as creativity is concerned, of course, I can have power... but I can't run the whole business," said the former Indian label Tips Music artist.

"Not too many people buy CDs now. They are just into downloading and they need a gap of about a month or so for the next song because they get tired of the album.

"They (listeners) don't want to hear the same sort of music and there is so much music happening at the moment... so, they don't have time," added the 32-year-old, who isn't "in favour of remixes" and likes "organic music".

While his fans have to wait for his original work till the year-end, a new single titled "Zindagi aaraha hoon main", featuring Bollywood's budding actor Tiger Shroff, will be launched soon.

Talking about the new track, Atif said: "It's not a preachy song. It's just about how you enjoy your life... whatever you are doing, just enjoy yourself."

Since his arrival on the music scene in 2004, he has also delivered many heart-touching Bollywood songs like "Jeena jeena" and "Pehli nazar mein", and has featured in most of the videos too.

Has he -- with droopy eyes and an infectious smile -- ever thought of acting in Bollywood?

"I might act in a Bollywood film. I'm listening to quite a few scripts now, but nothing has intrigued me so far. Let's see... I probably could do anything other than chocolate boy kind of roles," said Atif, who acted in Pakistani drama movie "Bol" (2011).

Launched in Bollywood by Mahesh Bhatt, the singer also hopes to work with the renowned Indian filmmaker and his team again after "Zeher" and "Kalyug" (2005).

"I love the Bhatt company. I've always thanked them for introducing me to India and they've been very kind," said the musician, whose elder brother Shahbaz Aslam often designs for the star.

Also known for sporting chic clothes, Atif gives credit to Shahbaz for his sartorial taste. And like him, the younger brother wants Shahbaz to showcase his talent in India.

"If there is a demand for it (Shahbaz's work), I would love to help him in opening a store in India," said Atif.

(Natalia Ningthoujam can be contacted at natalia.n@ians.in)