Atif Aslam Dreams of a Coke Studio Bridge Between Pakistan and Bangladesh

Image: Collected

Back in Dhaka for an upcoming performance, Pakistani singer Atif Aslam met the press yesterday and opened up about his deep fondness for Bangladeshi music icon Runa Laila, while voicing his wish to see a joint venture someday between Coke Studio Pakistan and its Bangladeshi counterpart, Coke Studio Bangla.

Speaking about his connection to the country, Aslam called Bangladesh his home away from home, saying the warmth and support he's received from fans there over the years has stayed with him.

He also looked back on a time he sat alongside Runa Laila as a fellow judge on a music talent show. He recalled that during one episode, she performed her widely loved track "O Lal Meri," calling her a phenomenal talent and a legendary figure he was proud to have worked beside.

On the topic of a possible cross-border musical partnership, Aslam said pairing Coke Studio's two regional franchises would be a thrilling development for the region's music scene.

His current visit ties into "Shah Cement Presents Main Stage Show Featuring Atif Aslam," happening today at Courtside on Madani Avenue, where local acts Meghdol and Level Five are also on the bill.

Separately, Aslam is preparing to drop his fourth studio album, "Subah Aye Na," on July 31 — his first complete album in nearly two decades, since 2008's "Meri Kahani."