US TALK

1- What does success mean to you?

Success is the inner contentment you attain after all the hard work you have done for your job, and then watch people appreciate you.

2- Something you learned early in your career which helped you become a better singer?

To stay patient and work hard to achieve my goals

3- What is the most challenging thing about this career?

My family has given their lives to music. So taking this legacy ahead with the same amount of esteem and dignity has always been the biggest challenge for me.

4- Did you get any formal education for this career? If not, then how did you learn the craft of singing?

Music is in my genes. I came under the tutelage of my father who trained me in varied genres of music rigorously and used to make me riyaz (practice) for many hours a day and each nuance had to be practiced again and again, till I could meet his expectations. Those early experiences with classical, sufi and later in contemporary music helped me evolve my own style.

5- Who are some of your role model actors/actresses, and what do you like about their work?

Shahrukh Khan, onscreen and offscreen, has always been my inspiration. The way he carries himself with style, élan, dignity and humbleness is extremely motivating.

6- From all your projects so far, which was the most meaningful to you, and why?

Though I want to become a versatile actor - and that’s my destiny - I won’t deny that my work as a co-host and DJ in Muzakarat will always be my strength as it brought me the fame and recognition I got and helped me take off.

7- Do you believe good looks and connections are the only things that make a star?

Besides being the offspring of the legenday Ustad Nazakat Ali Khan and brother of Amanat Ali and other big names of the mauseqi gharana (legacy) where I hail from, I never used them and carved my own niche in the industry with my talent, hard work and self-belief. Good looks and connections may give you a push but sustainably is not guaranteed unless without talent.

8- How has social media changed things for you?

Television brought me the fame and fan following and the real recognition, whereas social media came later and has now contributed in increasing my followers.

9- How do you deal with self-doubt?

To mitigate self-doubt and fear of failure, I cater to my self-belief and don’t let any doubt hold me back from taking a leap of faith with my career decisions. Having faith in ourselves and believing in our own strengths, matter the most.

10- Three pieces of advice for aspiring actors.

Whatever you intend to do in life, you must pursue it professionally through learning the craft formally. They should be ready to take challenges and never lose the patience.

MY TEENAGE YEARS

Birthday and zodiac sign

Jan 25, 1992

The best thing about being a teenager was

Being carefree

The worst thing about being a teenager was

Not paying attention to the right things

I was always listening to

Goods music of all big musicians of Indo-Pak

My favourite actor

Shahrukh Khan

My favourite singer

My father, Ustad Nazakat Ali Khan (late)

My favorite super hero;

Spiderman

My favorite movie

There are so many…

My favorite book

Sirat-e-Ameerulmomeneen

My closet was full of

Jeans, track pants and tees. In accessories I was fond of rings that UD used to wear.

My friends were

Quite obedient to me as I was quite bossy and used to lead the gigs.

What used to hurt me the most was

When I used to be immensely appreciated for my endowed talent with no opportunities coming my way.

I wish I had known then

The things that I am fully aware of today. But it’sutterly true that we learn from experiences.

Relations with family were

I am highly connected with family and I share a strong bonding with my siblings.

My favourite subject was

Science

My least favourite subject was

Mathematics

I couldn’t stand

Liars

My favourite food

Desi food

My favourite hangout

There was a traditional baithak where all friends used to gather for tea, sharing jokes and laughs in the night.

My favourite sport was

Cricket

5 things I couldn’t live without

My family, acting, singing, dancing and travelling.