Of the very few (barely a couple) things we are thankful to Pakistan for, is their music and singing talents like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam. 

However, the 90s kids have a very special bond with Aslam’s music. 

© Instagram/Atif Aslam

We all have shared Atif Aslam’s songs via Bluetooth on our keypad phones during classes, listened to ‘Tu Jaane Na’ for hours picturing our crush and sang ‘Ab Toh Aadat Si Hai’ to heal from our first heartbreak. 

The reason a lot of guys learned guitar was his rendition of ‘Gulabi Aankhein’ that was basically every girl’s favourite song at the time.   

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His music and distinct voice is unparalleled and no one from the fresh crop of singers right now can take his place, especially, for those who have listened to his songs in sickness and in health, back in school and college. 

© Instagram/Atif Aslam

Since it’s World Music Day today, here’s celebrating the day by remembering all his iconic songs that got us through our love problems and also proved that if anything can unite India and Pakistan, it’s Atif Aslam’s voice. 

1. Aadat 

Not only we hummed the tunes of this song as kids but also tried to imitate his drunken man’s voice. Plus, it was the breakup anthem for our generation.

2. Pehli Nazar Mein  

The beats of this song coupled with Aslam's voice made it a smashing hit back in the 2000s. The song still hits you hard when you fall in love at first sight.  

3. Tu Jaane Na

If you haven’t spent nights listening to this song while mustering up the courage to tell your crush how you feel, are you even Atif Aslam’s fan?

4. Tera Hone Laga Hoon

Another gem from the same movie, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani, this song was the new-age version of Aamir’ Khans ‘Pehla Nasha Pehla Khumar’ for 90s kids. 

Also, who remembers singing the English lyrics ‘shining in the setting sun like a pearl upon the ocean’ all wrong? 

5. Jeena Jeena

We cannot imagine anyone else singing this song from Badlapur other than Atif Aslam. He has sung this truly heartbreaking song with so much conviction, that you cannot listen to it without remembering a lost love.  

6. Tere Sang Yaara

This romantic song from the movie Rustom is still fresh in our minds. Probably because we have heard this song on loop at least a million times and know all the songs by heart. 

7. Kuch Is Tarah 

People who have loved someone with all their heart can relate to this song. This is such a beautiful composition with meticulous lyrics that hits home for all lovers. Major nostalgia!

8. Gulabi Aankhein 

No orchestra, no drums and no beats, just Atif Aslam’s soulful (and slightly raspy) voice blending with his guitar strings. We have heard a lot of renditions of 'Gulabi Aankhien' but this one beats all, after the OG, of course.  

9. Tere Liye

This song from Vivek Oberoi’s Prince has its own separate fanbase. A bit different from his previous romantic songs which were soothing and dreamy, this was more upbeat and peppy.  

10. Dil Diyan Gallan

The relatively newer track from his music trajectory, the song proved that even after a decade, Atif’s voice and music can make us fall in love all over again. 

© Instagram/Atif Aslam

Does anyone else suddenly miss his voice? Time for an Atif Aslam music marathon!

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