Kamal Ghorui
Singer Zayn Malik is opening up about his deep connection to India, its culture, cinema and music. The star, who launched his latest album, ‘Konnakol’, revealed in his latest chat, that despite never having visited India, he feels a strong pull towards the country. “I’ve never been to India in my entire life,” he said to Elle India and added, “I had plans to come last year, but work got in the way. I want to go back to the motherland and feel the dirt under my feet.”Zayn Malik on his love for Indian filmsMalik also spoke about his longstanding affinity for Indian films, revealing that they are a part of his routine. “I’m always watching Indian films,” he said, and picked ‘Main Hoon Na’, starring Shah Rukh Khan, as a personal favourite.Zayn Malik on what he loves about Indian musicMalik also shared his admiration for Indian music, saying “I’m listening to the music—some of the best sound scores in the world.” He went on to add, “I know I’m biased, I partially come from India… but the level of meticulousness that’s conveyed through even the instrument playing is ridiculous, so complex, and it really interests my brain.”Ultimately, he said, it is the emotional resonance of Indian music that draws him in. “I think the thing I really love about Indian music is that it feels like it comes from the soul,” he noted. “It’s uplifting, it’s positive, it’s about the possibility of love… the idea that when you fall in love, it’s going to be a fairytale. It doesn’t quite work like that in reality, but the idea is nice.”Zayn Malik on highlighting his cultureDiscussing his music, Malik highlighted how he incorporates South Asian influences into his work while still appealing to a global audience. “It’s always important for me to bring my culture into things because I feel that’s what makes me, me. There are not many Indian-Pakistani artists here in the West that the world knows, so it makes it unique and individual.”He emphasised that his cultural identity has always been central to his life and artistry. “My culture, heritage, and ethnicity have been very prominent throughout my life,” he said. “I’m mixed race, I’m very aware of it.”Sharing his surprise over his Indian fanbase, the former One Direction member extended his gratitude for their support saying, “Thank you so much for all your love and support. I’m a guy from England—Bradford—I never thought people in India would ever know who the F I am.”
