Nayare Ali

H! Factor: A young global musician with several chartbusters, accolades and albums to his name.

H!: Your thoughts on being HELLO!’s face to watch out for in music:

Armaan Malik: I’m truly very honoured! I’m glad to see my journey and efforts being appreciated and recognised by all at HELLO!.

H!: Kudos on winning the MTV Europe Music Award for ‘You’ in the Best India Act category. How do you perceive this international recognition for the second year in a row?

AM: “It genuinely feels surreal. I started releasing English music early in 2020. To see it bloom into such a successful career of its own, parallel to my Indian music career, is truly heartwarming. Getting recognition not once but twice on a global platform like the MTV EMAs is a big win for me and the scene. I’ve always believed strongly in my dream to be a massive global artist from India, and to see that journey take shape right before me is the most beautiful thing to witness.”

H!: You’ve been appreciated for your rendition of ‘Ghalib Hona Hai’ for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s album Sukoon...

AM: “I’ve been dreaming of collaborating with him for a long time, and now, I finally have a precious record like ‘Ghalib Hona Hai’ with him out there in the world! Working on this project was the most fulfilling and creatively challenging experience for me. Vocally, Sanjay sir explored a very different side of mine, and I’m glad he pushed me beyond my limits to give my absolute best, nothing short of it. I’m beyond grateful for his trust in my abilities as a singer and performer. I can’t wait to sing more and more magical songs for him and his movies.”

H!: You recently released and sung a fresh romantic track titled ‘Sun Maahi’. Can you throw some light on this?

AM: “‘Sun Maahi’ is a brand new single from my very own music label/imprint, Always Music Global. The song talks about the feeling of being completely lost in the magical world of this one person’s love. No one knows how and why you love someone; it just happens like magic. Unexplained, but beautiful and surreal. The soundscape of the song is very much in the new synth wave/electro pop world. I enjoy creating music in this genre.”

H!: You’ve been travelling extensively for tours and concerts. From which city or country do you get the best crowd?

AM: “Well, that’s a toughie because I get so much love from everywhere. But if I had to pick just one city that’s absolutely unreal when it comes to concerts, it has to be Bengaluru.”

H!: You are acknowledged as a singer with movie-star looks. Have you ever been tempted to try your hand at acting for the big screen?

AM: “I’ve been approached a number of times but have never been tempted per se. Though I must say I’m keen on exploring that side of me. My acting debut has to be a project that fits me and my persona as a musician, too.”

H!: When you’re not working on music, what do you do in your downtime?

AM: “I don’t get much time off from music, but when I do, I like watching documentaries on Netflix or just head out to my favourite restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal.”

H!: What can we expect from you in 2023?

AM: “Lots of new music, tours and unexpected collaborations across the global landscape!”

This story has been adapted for the website from a story that was originally published in Hello! India’s January 2023 issue. Get your hands on the latest issue right here!