Samra Khan

you&me

Samra Khan’s affinity for music began when she was still a very young girl. “I have been singing since I was 6 years old. I have had friends since school days who later pursued music production and that’s where I got some initial introductions into the music industry,” says Khan. A financial analyst by profession, she derives her inspiration from bigwigs such as Reshma, Nayyara Noor, A.R. Rahman and U2. Khan rose to stardom after she appeared in Coke Studio Season 8, last year, in a duet featuring Asim Azhar, on a track that’s catchy and melodious - ‘Hina Ki Khushbu’. Recently, Khan has released her new song - ‘Bol’. The song has been written by Waqqas Qadir Sheikh and composed by Atif Ali. The video has been shot in Dubai and directed by Fadi Khan. Read on and find out more about this hot crooner...

• What is your specialized field of singing? Are you into jazz, rock & roll or what?

As a vocalist I sing a variety of genres, but personally I am mainly into old classics, pop and alternative rock. I have grown up listening to my favourites like Reshma ji, Lata, Nayyara Noor, U2, A R Rahman and more recently enjoy music by Sia, Rihanna, John Legend and Adele.

• What is your most memorable concert to-date?

My concert in June 2016 in Dubai, when I opened for Adnan Sami.

• In your childhood were you a bright student?

Yes, I was also a bit of a nerd

• Who was your favourite rock/jazz star when you were growing up or in your teens?

Creed and U2

• How was your Coke Studio experience?

It was fantastic, to say the least. Despite being such a larger-than-life platform, the entire team was very welcoming to a newcomer like myself. I was so nervous getting on that stage/set but as soon as we started rolling, it all came together beautifully and we produced the magic of ‘Hina Ki Khushbu’.

• What are you currently working on?

I have just released my first solo ‘Bol’ which is an indo-pop track. I am also releasing my next single pretty soon, called ‘Boondein’ which is a duet. This is a love song which has been beautifully composed and sung by Atif Ali along with myself. I have also recorded a couple of drama OSTs for Pakistani and Indian TV series which are expected to release in November this year.

• Your claim to fame song:

Definitely ‘Hina Ki Khushbu’

• Have you released any music album so far?

Not yet, but might do in the future.

• What do you usually wear in daily life?

Jeans and a comfy kurta/t-shirt

• Your favourite international labels:

Massimo Dutti, Zara & Banana Republic

• Your favourite international music celebrity:

Rihanna. Love her.

• Your favourite music composer:

A. R. Rahman

• Who are your icons in music industry?

Rihanna, Sia, Adele, Calvin Harris and Atif Aslam

• How do you deal with your male fans?

Same as my female ones, with love and respect.

• One thing you like best about yourself?

My positivity

• Your most irritating habit:

Over thinking

• You don’t like people who are...

Liars and hypocrites

• You always feel happy in the company of...

My daughter or my close friends

• You are afraid of...

Lizards

• Your most valuable possession...

Some of my shoes and bags

• Your all-time favourite movie:

‘The Notebook’. Come on, it’s Ryan Gosling!

• Are you shopaholic?

Only for shoes

• What bores you the most?

Monotony

• When feeling low you prefer...

To go out with friends, call up my mum or watch a funny movie

• You are crazy about?

My daughter Soha, she is my world.

• Among your friends you are known as...

The insane one.

• Are you a social person or a loner?

I’m quite social but I also occasionally enjoy alone time

• Your idea of romance:

I’m not a romantic but I guess a nice relaxed evening out is always nice

• Your favourite hangout:

‘City Walk’ in Dubai

• Something very few people know about you as a person:

I wanted to study arts after A Levels from Indus Valley School, but ended up studying Business Studies because my parents wanted me to study ‘something serious’. I later convinced them to let my sister pursue it!

• How do you like to spend your Sundays?

Spend time with family, go for a swim, sleep in and relax

• Your ultimate desire:

World peace!