Atif Aslam

While still in college, Atif Aslam formed the rock band Jal and financed the recording of their hit single “Aadat” with money he’d earned working as a driver. ∙ A trio of songs from his solo debut, Jal Pari, including a version of the Jal single “Aadat,” appeared in the acclaimed independent film Man Push Cart. ∙ The success of “Aadat” drew the attention of Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt, who asked Aslam to record a track for the film Zeher. ∙ Aslam is best-known for his prolific work as a playback singer, recording vocals for tracks that Bollywood actors then lip sync to onscreen. ∙ In one of two songs that he recorded for the film The Reluctant Fundamentalist, he trades vocals with Peter Gabriel. ∙ He not only appeared on the soundtrack for Bol—one of the highest-grossing Pakistani films of all time—but he also made his acting debut as its lead character, Mustafa. ∙ He is the youngest-ever recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, a government honor given to Pakistani citizens who excel in their fields.