Pakistani singer Atif Aslam to mark Bollywood acting debut by end of year

Having carved a niche for himself in Bollywood music, Pakistani singing sensation Atif Aslam is now ready to give competition to the actors in the Hindi film industry.

"I am getting offers from the past couple of years and probably you will be finding me in something by the end of this year or beginning of next year," Atif told PTI here when asked about his plans for acting in Bollywood.

Best known for crooning chartbusters like 'Pehli Nazar Mein', 'Tu Jaane Na', 'Wo Lamhey', 'Aadat' and 'Tere Bin', the 32-year-old star was in Kolkata recently to perform at the MTV Bollyland concert.

Aslam made his acting debut with Pakistani film 'Bol' in 2011 and since then he has been flooded with offers from Bollywood but he resisted the temptation.

Besides a magical voice, his looks also have made him very popular among girls.

Stating that he has not yet signed anything, the singer said he is interested in a dark or a romantic role in a film, which is about love and music.

"I am excited about both (kind of roles)," he said without naming the producers who have offered him the roles.

On the music front, Aslam, whose previous three albums 'Jalpari', 'Doorie' and 'Meri Kahani' were huge hits, would be back with a new one later this year.

"It would come out by the end of this year. I am going back to the roots as the music is not very electronic. It's 'Jalpari' type soft," Aslam, who has been giving live stage performances all over the world, said. With 9-10 songs, the album would also have elements of folk music. "It would be personal, pure and organic album. I have already written the songs," Aslam said.

Although his concert in Pune was cancelled recently following opposition by Shiv Sena, the Pakistani star said he admires the hospitality, culture and the love people in India give to his songs.

"It is very overwhelming to find that you are loved by people belonging to different provinces and cultures. They give me the energy. I learn from my fans on how to behave and how to enjoy music. I have been doing this for 11 years now," Aslam said.

Arguably the most popular Pakistani singer of his generation, he has been accorded the civilian honour of 'Tamgha-e-Imtiaz' (Star of Excellence) from the Pakistan government.

Aslam has had no formal training in music and the hit musician is not averse to going back to the classroom now.

"Personally I think that there is no harm in learning. Given a chance I would love to do it," he said adding that his music clicks with the audience because it comes straight from the heart.

"It is very pure, natural and from the heart. 'Jo baat dil se nikalti hai woh asar karti hai' (Thoughts, which come from the heart, create an impact)," he said.