I am thankful to UAE for letting me grow: Siya Pahuja

She came to Dubai in 2015 with a dream to get famous as a singer here. Inclined towards Indian classical music since childhood, Siya Pahuja (an Indian) aspires to connect with the people of the world through music.
In a short span, Siya has made a mark as a singer and has gained popularity among the Indian expat community. She is often invited to sing at community events, weddings and concerts in the city.
“Music is joy, absolute happiness and bliss. I am truly blessed to be connected with music. I am happy to have settled in Dubai. This is a place that respects and supports different cultures. I have already performed several times in Dubai and now I am eagerly looking forward to singing in Arabic language,” said Siya, who says she is in love with Dubai because of the respect and love it gives to arts and culture.
Talking about how she manages to balance her passion for singing and responsibilities as a home-maker home, the 38-year-old said: “I must say that my husband and my family are really encouraging, Otherwise it would have been difficult for me to establish myself here.”
She believes that music is the language of the heart, a universal language which transcends all barriers of caste, creed, race and religion and Dubai is one of the best places to reach out to different people.
“Dubai is the centre where you can easily meet those who want to become successful in life. It gives at least people a chance to prove themselves.”
Discussing the popularity of Bollywood music in the UAE, she said that people here, especially Emiratis, quite enjoy Bollywood songs so I usually choose to perform Hindi movie tracks. Although I am still a newcomer, my work has been appreciated and liked by everyone so far and as an artist, I feel it is the best reward I can get for my efforts. I am thankful to this land for embracing my talent and letting me grow,” said Siya.
Siya has a good command over different genres of music like film songs, ghazals, bhajans (religious songs) etc. which account for her versatility. Over the years, she has given several performances in different parts of the world and is best known for her Sindhi-Sufi music and folk songs. She has sung for many Sindhi films and recorded many folk songs. Siya is also a radio artiste and has been on several radio shows back in India.
She continues her quest in the vast realm of music through her dedicated practice and aspires to bring about happiness and peace in society through her music.
ankita@khaleejtimes.com
Interviewed by Ankita Chaturvedi
Street talk is a weekly column to get a
glimpse of people’s lives in UAE

Ankita Chaturvedi

ankita@khaleejtimes.com