A true embodiment of versatility and with a knack for performing since an early age, Nastasha Humera Ejaz started off as a singer/actor for a number of shows at PTV when she was just 7. In 2005, she stepped into the world of theatre with her first play ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Since then, she has been a part of multiple plays, some of her notable performances being as Rizzo in Nida Butt’s ‘Grease’, and most recently as Jill in Sunil Shankar’s production, ‘Equus’. Also, the starlet’s well received character Mary in Ali Junejo’s ‘The Bald Soprano’ gave her prominence.
Trained in three styles of dance from hip hop to kathak, she has delved into choreographing theatre plays as well. With her energy and bubbly nature, she got a spot as an RJ at FM99. She has also worked at FM101 with Danish Ali and later at CityFM 89. But what propelled Natasha into mainstream entertainment business was her debut single, ‘Today is a place’ released independently in 2010; and ‘Right way to fall’ produced by Omran Shafique and Gumby in 2011, under the banner of Uth records.
Her debut EP, ‘Till the end of time’ in 2015, earned her a ‘Lux Style Award’ nomination for Best Music Album in 2016, whereas, the thrilling video of ‘Khwab’ was nominated for Best Music Video.
In 2018, Natasha also lent her vocals to Mehru in much anticipated animated film ‘Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor’, in which, the budding artist also sang two songs. Currently, the multi-talented star is excited about her music ventures and voiceovers in a few upcoming films, videos and documentaries. Moreover in 2018, Natasha has lots of original work lined up with her recent release ‘God in me’; a song that narrates her own story. This week, You! talks to Natasha Humera Ejaz to find out about her likes & dislikes. Read on...
You! What do you enjoy the most? Singing or acting
I can never choose. But what I enjoy the most is manifesting a need to express.
You! What do you like most about your job?
The fact that my ‘9 to 5’ is so explorative and fun is definitely a plus.
You! A project that you hold really close to your heart:
I performed my music with a Norwegian orchestra in 2016. It was an experience I will never forget.
You! Do you have a hidden talent?
Telekinesis. Don’t tell anyone.
You! Is there an art that you haven’t dabbled in?
Martial Arts.
You! If you weren’t doing what you are doing today you would be...
a full-time dancer.
You! Your favourite genre in music:
Afro-Jazz.
You! At this point of life, what song can be your life’s theme song?
‘Show me love’ by Laura Mvula.
You! Your all-time favourite movies:
‘The Wanderers’; ‘Forrest Gump’; ‘Almost Famous’; ‘Arrival’ and ‘Birdman’.
You! Your favourite singer?
Bobby Mcferrin.
You! Your favourite actor?
Lee Pace and Khalida Riyasat.
You! Who’s your biggest inspiration?
My sister.
You! The biggest misconception about you...
That I’m really young.
You! Among your friends you are known as...
Energizer bunny, I’m always cracking terribly lame jokes and I have been told that I have a steady career as a therapist if I ever need it.
You! Something very few people know about you as a person...
I’m an over-thinker.
You! One thing you like best about yourself:
My sense of empathy.
You! What’s your most valuable possession:
Probably all my music gear/toys.
You! Define happiness in three words:
I am enough.
You! You are afraid of...
Myself.
You! One thing that always cheers you up:
The goat cover of ‘Trouble’ by Taylor Swift on YouTube.
You! Your idea of romance:
Taking care of someone.
You! What’s your biggest turn off?
Lying and selfishness.
You! You are crazy about...
Sergei Polunin *drools*.
You! What do you usually wear in daily life?
I have my comfort uniform depending on the weather. Track pants/tights with breathable tops that I can teach and rehearse in. Lawn for the summer.
You! Your favourite designers
Locally, I love what Adnan Pardesy is capable of and Aamyr Tarique is a hidden genius.
You! If you were stranded on an island, what are two things you’d want with you?
My boyfriend and anything he needs to get us out of there.
You! A style icon that you wish you could bring back from the dead?
Twiggie or Audrey Hepburn.
You! If you could be one fictional character (apart from Mehru), who would it be?
Starbuck from ‘Battlestar Galactica’, Burnham from the new series ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Or anyone from the book ‘Dune’ by Frank Herbert.
You! One food that you can eat forever:
Sweet corn.
You! How do you spend your Sundays?
In bed with my cat.
You! Your favourite hangout:
‘Lals’ on Shahbaz or a friend’s house.
You! Your favourite place in the entire world:
Mama’s bed or Kuala Lumpur.
You! What advice do you have for young artists coming into the field?
Be yourself.Trust your gut because only you know what your soul path is.Try everything you are curious about.
You! What’s next on your bucket list?
Touring with my band.
