Singer Asim Azhar brings new single 'Habibi' to Dubai

“I firmly believe that an overgrown ego is something one should closely watch out for. When you are adored by millions and have a sizeable fan following, there are chances that success can hit your head and you can lose control of your life, your relationships, and everything you’ve worked so hard for.”

This is a confession by an artist who tasted massive success at the age of sixteen, who is loved tremendously across the world, whose songs become anthems in no time and who is being signed by brands left, right and center.

Asim Azhar in a short span of time has become the go-to-voice for music producers, filmmakers and brand managers alike. But when you speak to him, he comes across as a boy next door who is definitely grateful for all that he has achieved; but, he is also mindful that the dream run may end in no time if he takes it all for granted. He says, “In today’s time, you are as good as your last project, so I don’t take my fame for granted. I have no time for distractions.”

What keeps Asim sane

But for me, it was important to know how a well-recognized artist, with followings in millions, keeps his sanity in check. As someone who is used to noise, applause and cheering round the clock, does silence scare him? Almost instantly Asim responds, “Absolutely not. In fact, I ensure that I keep an hour for myself during the day where I am doing nothing and just spending time in silence, away from the shor-sharaba. It keeps me sane. That is my time to connect with myself, my thoughts and that has become the anchor of how my day goes.”

His new single 'Habibi' which he was in Dubai to promote, has broken records already and has topped the charts. Currently ruling the platforms like TikTok and YouTube in Pakistan, Asim’s new song has struck the right chord in India as well. Singer and rapper Badshah took out time and slid into Asim’s DMs, praising the song. He wrote, “Tripping on Habibi! What a song you have made bro, the melody is great.”

As per Asim, the song is about “how ego should not get in between two people who are in love”. He explained that “there is no harm in apologizing first as it only makes you a better human. And there are always going to be differences and arguments but it's okay to say sorry first”.

Taking a cue from this, I asked him something that I ask every rockstar I meet. Does an artist, especially a singer need to experience heartbreak to be a better singer or performer?

“I don’t think that is a prerequisite to a good poetry or a melody,” he claimed. I have sung the best of breakup anthems like 'Tera Woh Pyar' and 'Tarasti hai nigahein' in my happiest of times. I would say not only a romantic relationship but being in any kind of relationship helps you to be a better artist. My observations and imaginations have helped me deliver such songs with much ease. I don’t necessarily have to experience the heartbreak first-hand to make it impactful.”

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