Stunning performance at Robet Ferst Center
Charismatic Atif Aslam sets stage on fire

By Krittika
Photographybyvinod.com


The Robet Ferst Center for Arts witnessed a packed audience made colorful by a bevy of women attired in everything from shimmering Indian ghagras to the trendiest western clothes. The mammoth crowd waited impatiently for the charismatic Atif Aslam to appear on stage.

The opening act was by Deepak Pandit; a master violinist who had performed with the likes of Sonu Nigam. His instrumental medleys whet the appetite of an audience anxiously waiting for their idol. As crowds became increasingly restive, it was evident that this gifted musician deserved a better venue to showcase his talents, and a more appreciative audience.

The next performance was by the immensely talented Janki Parekh. Janki was in her elements as she belted out her most popular hits, including “Iktara” and “Beedi jalaile”. Her boundless energy and hypnotic vocals overpowered the din of human noise and the initial apathy of the audience. It was rather unfortunate that towards the end, the undeserving audience turned hostile and behaved distastefully as some sections started chanting, “Atif, we want Atif!” A seemingly perplexed Janki Parekh assured the crowd that Atif would appear shortly and sensing the mood of the audience, quickly made her exit.


As the lights dimmed, the crowd roared with excitement as Atif and his band members stormed the stage and set the proceedings on fire. With his debonair, rock star swagger, Aslam opened with the numbers that jumpstarted his career by showcasing hits like: “Doorie”, “Ehsaas”, and “Mahiya Ve Soniya”. The audience lapped up everything Atif was rendering, including his impromptu interjections like “Can you hear me now?” and “What are we playing next?”

However, as Atif dispensed with his sunglasses and connected more with the audience, his performing persona became less robotic and more spontaneous. His infectious enthusiasm only further intensified the crowd’s admiration for him. As he dramatically strolled towards the corners of the stage, raving fans converged to get a closer view of their icon. Some wanted to touch his hand, others wanted an autograph, and some mothers even used their adorable children to grab his attention. He obliged all of them and fully lived up to his image as a consummate professional.

However, the Georgia Tech security team certainly had their hands full managing the unruly crowd and trying to enforce order. Finally, as the evening drew to a close, Atif signed off with “Tu Jaana Na…” The crowd sang along with him and the moment was truly electrifying.

The concert was a stunning introduction to those unfamiliar with Atif Aslam and a veritable feast for the fandom that is uproarious about the man and his music.

Apr/7/2010