Atif Aslam, 29, was born in 1983 in Wazirabad, Gujranwala, Pakistan. He studied at PAF college, Lahore; where he completed his F.Sc in pre-engineering with the class of 2001. He also won his first singing competition on Independence Day celebration in the college. Later on he went to the University of Central Punjab and completed his Bachelors in Computer Science.
He rose to fame with his first single “Aadat” with the band, “Jal” recorded at Mekal Hassan’s Studio. The song became popular on different Pakistani musical websites and was also aired on many major radio stations of Pakistan like City FM 89, FM 100, Mast FM 103, FM 105 etc. The video of this song was released on ARY Digital and The musik and then it like a Tsunami wave flooded every TV channel.
Shortly after, he left the band “Jal” and went onto pursue a solo career. He released his first solo album, Jal Pari on 19 July 2004. He also became renowned in India with his second album, Doori; which was released on 22 Dec 2006.
His first major concert was at Al Hamra Hall, Mall Road Lahore where he performed during the break of a stage drama Moulin Rouge. On 14 April 2007, Atif headlined in the Flex FX Dhamaka, alongside Jay Sean at Royal Albert Hall. His first international concert was at W. StarDreamz Entertainment Group during his tour of USA and Canada with RDB and Annie.
Atif also revealed in a press conference held in Karachi that he will be working on an international project titled ‘The Dreamer Awakes’, together with members of American rock band Guns N' Roses. He was also seen rehearsing with the band Velvet Revolvers.
Aslam has begun work on his fourth album. There were tales circulating online that it is titled, ‘Shabnam’. However, Atif himself debunked it. “Right now, my entire focus is on this project (The Dreamer Awakes). I may be singing with Chris Martin or John Mayer… we’re trying to bring a lot of people together.” He has been greatly influenced by the singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Kishore Kumar and K.K.
Atif sung often for Bollywood films, like "Pehli Nazar Mein" in Race, "Tere Bin" in Bas Ek Pal, "Bakhuda Tumhi Ho" in Kismat Konnection, "Tera Hone Laga Hoon" and "Tu Jaane Na" in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, "Tere Liye" in the film Prince. Two of his songs were also featured in the Hollywood film “Man Push Cart”.
He was seen acting in the movie “Bol” and also sang two songs for it in 2010.