‘Magic’ is what sets Coke Studio Pakistan apart, says Atif Aslam

Atif Aslam believes there is something special about Coke Studio Pakistan that its Indian counterpart lacks.

He discussed the two versions of the popular music series in an interview with Mirchi UAE on Monday. Asked what gives Coke Studio Pakistan an advantage over Coke Studio Bharat, Atif Aslam smiled and answered, “Jaadoo (magic).”

He then pointed to the difference in the way music is created for the two shows. “Both have good compositions, but the rawness that we have in our music is missing there,” he said.

Aslam also criticised the stronger commercial focus of the Indian show. He said Pakistani Coke Studio gives artists more space to work with original compositions and bring their own personality to the music. “Indian Coke Studio focuses too much on commercialism, while Pakistani Coke Studio presents original compositions,” he said.

According to Aslam, only a handful of people may be involved in creating those compositions, making the process a “do-or-die situation”, but artists are still able to add their own touch.

The singer has himself played a major role in making Coke Studio Pakistan popular over the years. His performances have ranged from Sufi classics to contemporary pop and fusion songs.