NEW DELHI: In over a decade-long journey, Atif Aslam has made his aadeez , global fan following, sway to his chart-topping songs. The Aadat hitmaker will finally stage his debut performance in Guwahati where his fans too can’t wait for his gig.
Known for having an ability to hit high notes effortlessly and strumming stringed instruments without being formally trained, the 32-year-old is looking forward to his maiden performance in India’s northeast region this month.
“Indeed, it’s my first time in the region. I’m looking forward to performing in Guwahati. I’m very excited about it, but I don’t know how they are going to react to the EDM (electronic dance music). I’ll probably go for shopping too,” Atif told.
After having done concerts in Indian cities like Chennai, Udaipur, Delhi and Ahmedabad, Atif, who believes there are no boundaries when it comes to music, will visit the Assamese city for Royal Stag MTV Bollyland, a series of multi-city music concerts that see the fusion of Bollywood songs with electronic beats.
His recent concert in Pune got cancelled due to opposition from Shiv Sena, but Assamese musician-actor-filmmaker Zubeen Garg, who enjoys a cult status in the northeastern state, is positive that there won’t be any resistance to Atif’s show in Guwahati.
“I’m sure he will get a warm welcome. Northeast crowd is very nice…it’s upbeat and the timing is very good. Everyone is in a festive mood here (Assam). There is nothing like Pakistani or Hindustani here. No racial thing in Guwahati,” said Zubeen. “The music scene is good here. People listen to Bollywood music, but folk music is very big here,” he added.
Fellow Assamese musician Joi Barua, who has also sung for Bollywood movies like Udaan and Dev.D, believes it’s “a super occasion”. “An actual ‘east meets west’ moment for our subcontinent… Two very different cultures. I really wish him the very best,” said Joi, who considers Atif’s Bollywood debut track Woh lamhe from the 2005 filmZeher special.
Atif, who likes being in India, won’t entertain music lovers with his bandmates this time. Instead, he will match up to the beats played by DJ Chetas at the upcoming musical event.