Pakistan’s biggest music export after Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the popular yet elusive Atif Aslam takes time out to talk about some of the projects he’s dipped his hands into. Rumour has it that he is acting in a Bollywood film? “I haven’t signed any of the films yet but certainly will do only if they agree to my terms and conditions,” said the crooner, “Shoaib Mansoor called me up for the script for his film and asked whether I was interested. I’m playing a doctor.”Since he is known for his music and without any prior experience in acting, did he take acting lessons before the filming of Shoaib Mansoor’s upcoming film, Bol? “I didn’t take any acting lessons,” laughs Atif, “but I certainly wanted to try it out for a change and Bol has helped me bring out the actor in me on the set of the film.” Atif is also contributing two songs to the soundtrack of the film.

When is he planning to release his next album? “I am busy working with Guns ‘n’ Roses i.e. the project that I am heading here in Pakistan to get all of the musicians on board and come up with a DVD that will be released all over the world especially America… to project a positive image of Pakistan,” responds Atif, “Apart from that I am coming up with an NGO.” Atif has yet to reveal what kind of NGO he will be starting but promised to reveal all in due time.