Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi

Attaullah Khan Niazi (born 19 August 1951), known professionally as Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi, is a Pakistani musician, singer, poet, and occasional actor from Isakhel in Mianwali District, Punjab. He is mainly associated with the folk music of Punjab and has written various songs and poems in the Saraiki language.

In 2011, he appeared on Coke Studio (season 4) and sang the songs "Ni Oothaan Waale", and "Pyaar Naal". Despite the restrictions on music in his home, Attaullah secretly sought to learn more about it. Esakhelvi performed on the Pakistan Television (PTV) show Neelam Ghar in 1973.

Acting career In 1992, Esakhelvi made his acting debut in the Punjabi-language movie Dil Lagi, co-starring with senior actors such as Sultan Rahi and Jawed Sheikh as well fellow folk singer Arif Lohar, who also made his acting debut. The same year, he starred in the Punjabi/Urdu bilingual film Zindagi, again with Sultan Rahi and Arif Lohar in prominent roles, with Abida Parveen making her debut as a playback singer.

Personal life Attaullah Khan received his early education from Esakhel. He relocated to Lahore after becoming a professional musician, performing in Saraiki, Sindhi, Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto and English. He has been married five times – his fourth wife Bazgha being a former actress. He has four children from his fourth and fifth wives. His daughter, Laraib Atta, is a professional VFX artist who has worked for several Hollywood films. His son, Sanwal Esakhelvi, is also pursuing a career in music.

Legacy Attaullah Esakhelvi is considered a folk icon in Pakistan and is widely considered one of the most popular folk singers in Pakistan. The constant companion of Pakistani truck drivers is the lilting tunes of Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi. This Mianwali-born vocalist, with his swashbuckler moustache, kameez shalwar, and shawl on one shoulder, became the poster boy for traditional Pakistani music.

Awards The Government of Pakistan awarded him the Pride of Performance Award in 1991.

Selected popular songs YearSongArtistMusic directorLabel 1978 "Idhar Zindgi Ka Janaza Uthay Ga" Attaullah Khan Rehmat Gramophone House1992 "Qameez Teri Kaali, Te Sohnay Phullan Wali"Ataullah KhanOSA 2011 "Pyaar Naal Na Sahi" Ataullah KhanCoke Studio (Pakistan) 2011 "Ni othan Waale" Ataullah KhanCoke Studio (Pakistan)

Musicians Attaullah has his own band, which travels with him. Members of the band include: Salamat Ali Khan (tabla) Javed Ali (dholak) Babar (flute) Sabir Ali (harmonium)

The musicians in Attaullah's band have performed with him since the 1970s, in Pakistan, United States of America, Japan, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, India, Italy, Australia, Oman, New Zealand, Hong Kong and UAE.