Most Pakistanis, whether young or old, grooved to the tunes of this starlet, who had already dabbled in acting with her ever-so-popular drama serial Hawaaein. Her first pop music album, Bauji, was a hit during late 90s, which established her as not just a pretty face that could act, but also entertain with her soul stirring vocals. Known to have crossed the border for a VJ-ing gig back in the days, Komal has had quite an exciting journey of being popular for everything she was passionate to do. The feisty performer continues to leave her fans awestruck with her exceptional talent not just in Pakistan but around the world. Tag along as MAG speaks to Komal Rizvi about her ever-so-happening life as one of the most sought-after female performers in the country.

You started your singing career in your teens, a time when most kids are exhausted with studies. What was the motivation back then?

I was actually really into my studies. My parents were very strict as far as going out and being social is concerned, so my social life was restricted to my cousins and family; and also because I was a ‘straight A’ student, I was allowed to sing and record a song, then release it with my dad’s friend Ghazanfar Ali, and it was just my luck that that song did really well and I started getting offers left, right and centre.

Your VJ-ing stint with India's music channel remains to be the most talked-about part of your career. Any vivid memory that you’d like to share from that time?

I would like to think that my music nowadays, especially the Coke Studio stuff that I’ve done, is the most talked-about [part of my career] because it’s the most recent. But the memories that I have [from VJ-ing in India] are just because of the amazing experiences that I had interviewing iconic and legendary Bollywood personalities like Amitabh [Bachchan], Asha Bhosle, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and all the other people. It was a memorable time for me.

You’ve acted in some really well-written dramas. Now if you’re offered to act in one, what would be your priority when taking up the project?

My priority with dramas has always been that it should have a poignant message and it should be a very strong well-written script.

Are you planning to act in a Pakistani film anytime soon?

Well, not any time soon but I hope to do films one day.

Coming to your music, it is generally believed that a singer is not truly an excellent one unless he/she has suffered pain in their life. Do you relate to this notion?

I don’t understand why it’s necessary for any artiste to feel pain to actually become really good. I don’t necessarily agree with that but I really think that there is no human being on this planet who goes through life without feeling any [kind of] pain, whatsoever. So obviously, I have felt pain as any other normal person has.

You’ve been a part of Pakistan’s music industry for many years now. How do you feel it has progressed in all these years since you started?

Pakistan’s music industry has been rollercoaster ride. It did really well in the 90s, then it dipped in the 2000s, then it did well again, now its dipping; and recently, I’ve noticed that music is coming back up again. So yes, it should be a little bit more streamlined and we should have a professional industry. So it’s getting there. I believe the political and economic industry has affected it largely because [when those are in turmoil] the first industry that is hit with instability is entertainment, but I’m hoping it will get better and better with each passing year.

Despite having an established career, where do you see yourself in the entertainment industry right now?

I see myself as a successful singer/song-writer and I hope to continue to evolve in my music and as an artiste.

Do you think our music industry is competitive enough?

Now, our music industry is becoming very competitive, thanks to social media platforms. Everyone wants to be a singer or an actor, so I think it’s pretty competitive.

You’ve been touring for concerts in the U.S. recently. How has the reception been?

It’s been awesome. I have been to Atlanta, Chicago, New Jersey and San Francisco. I’ll be going to Vancouver. I did Houston and Dallas too, and that was really amazing.

Several songs sung by you and many other singers back in the days became cult classics among the younger generation. Do you think music has lost it purpose and turned into a rather forgettable experience nowadays?

There are songs that can be forgettable and there are songs that can be unforgettable. I don’t think music has lost its purpose at all. I do not think it’s turned into a forgettable experience. To this day, good music is being made but just like in every era, we have good music and bad music, and so that remains.

What are your aspirations as a performing artiste?

Well, my aspirations as a performing artiste are probably the same as that of any other – which is to be appreciated and loved, to do good work and get some good music out there. I’m aspiring to do a lot of really good music in the near future.

Any projects in the pipeline?

Upcoming projects besides my tour in Canada? I’ll be releasing an original song right after Muharram. So, I’m really looking forward to that.

Lastly, acting, hosting or music, which is the closest to your heart?

Between acting, hosting and music, music is the closest to my heart, but if I had to choose between acting and hosting, I find the latter a lot easier. My personality is very friendly and amenable, so hosting comes easily to me but having said that, if I had to pick between acting and hosting, I would definitely pick acting.