Indian musician Jonathan J Paul feels blessed to work with Atif Aslam

Passionate about supporting new talent, Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has introduced an Indian band member, pianist and keyboard artist Jonathan J Paul in his team. A self taught artist who grew up in the Himalayas and popularly known as the mountain boy, Jonathan did his schooling from Mussourie and Nainital and later shifted to Mumbai to pursue his musical career.
TOI caught up with Jonathan J Paul at the NO BO concert held in the capital where he was seen jamming with Atif Aslam on the song Pehli Nazar. He spoke about his musical journey and the experience to be a part of a Pakistani band.
ALSO READ: Atif Aslam in no hurry to join Bollywood
Musical journey
I spent my childhood studying at various boarding schools in Mussourie and Nainital. It was later at the age of 18 that I shifted to Mumbai and completed my studies from St Xaviers college. Frankly, I had no inclination towards joining Bollywood. Music was my passion and I was deeply involved in it. During the initial days of my struggle in Mumbai, I used to do gigs with local bands at various shows. Slowly I pursued my musical passion into a career. I would just say, as a kid I have grown up in the Himalayas and as the son of two school teachers, I've travelled far. But where my dreams are now leading me to, the journey is just beginning.

Pehli nazar with Atif
I first met Atif Aslam at one of his concerts in Jakarta. He was doing his sound check when I got the chance to meet him. I was to perform a set before he came on stage. When he heard me play, he asked me abruptly whether I had heard any of his songs. I told him that I knew his popular song Pehli Nazar. Atif told me if I could jam with him on this song. I excitedly said a yes and then I played my piano and he was on his guitar. He loved the musical combination and we went ahead performing the song on the stage. He was impressed with my music and after a few months he asked me to join his band.
Atif is my role model
It was a big challenge when I was offered to work with Atif. I consider Atif as my role model because he has given support to an upcoming artist like me. I have been associated with the band for the last three years and it has been a wonderful journey. I have enjoyed touring with him and the other band members. I have had a great bonding with the band members. While touring with them for various shows, it gave me a chance to learn a lot. Atif is not only an excellent singer but a great performer. I think whatever exposure I have got on the stage before the worldwide audience is all because of Atif.
People think I'm a Pakistani because of my looks
The usual reaction of the public when they meet me is aree aap toh Indian hai to aap Pakistani band main kaise aaye. People are surprised when I tell them that I’m an Indian. Many people have actually walked up to me after the show and have questioned me how do I feel as an Indian being part of a Pakistani band. Sometimes the audiences also mistake me to be a Pakistani because of my looks. Mera bas ek hi jawab hota hai .. I'm blessed to get the platform to perform along with one of the superstars of the music world. You would be surprised to know that I haven’t visited Pakistan so far and have never done a show with Atif in Pakistan till now. May be someday I would love to perform in Pakistan too.

WATCH: Pehli Nazar Mein