Bilal Khan

you & me

Bilal Khan was one of the most prominent ‘internet-sensation’ to crossover into the world of singing, after his super hit single ‘Bachana’ went viral in 2010. According to Khan, singing has always been his passion, “I started singing at an early age. I remember it was when Princess Diana had passed away and Elton John sang a rendition of ‘Candle in the Wind’. That’s the first memory I have of actually writing down the lyrics and singing that song.” A graduate in Politics and Economics from LUMS, and a Masters in Advertising - Khan has previously appeared on four tracks in various seasons of Coke Studio. His trademark sound has also featured in several OSTs such as, ‘Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu’ (2012) and ‘Khamoshi’ (2017). The singer-songwriter-actor and celebrity vlogger, Khan’s dynamic personality has earned him many accolades including an opportunity to record with the acclaimed British producer, Nitin Sawhney. Let’s see what are the likes & dislikes of this multi-talented artist, who has also participated in Coke Studio Season 11...

How would you label your genre of singing?

I think it is hard to pinpoint my exact genre because over the years I have sang such diverse songs from ‘To Kia Hua’ in Season 4 of Coke Studio to ‘Larho Mujhay’ in Season 5 to the recent ‘Khamoshi’ OST. I got popular because of ‘Bachana’ which was a soft acoustic song.

Which is your most memorable concert to-date?

Oh I have played so many and in many beautiful cities like Seoul, London or Toronto. I think my most memorable one was BNU in Lahore this year. There was a crowd of 6000 and it sang every word back at me.

What was your claim to fame song?

‘Bachana’.

Were you a bright student in your childhood?

I got into LUMS...so, I don’t know.

Who was your favourite rock/jazz star when you were growing up?

Jim Morrison from ‘The Doors’.

Your favourite international music celebrity:

John Mayer.

How was your Coke Studio experience?

My Coke Studio experience in general has always been exhilarating. This is my third season, but in terms of excitement it always feels like it’s my first. I really enjoy being on the floor and singing with the band.

What do you like the best about Coke Studio?

That it gives me freedom to do what I want. I’ve been lucky enough to do only original songs that I have written myself for the show. This is probably why it’s taken me so long to return to it because the producers before Ali Hamza and Zohaib Kazi had a very fixed format of cover songs and I didn’t fit in it. I really enjoyed working with Hamza and Kazi.

What was your favourite moment from Coke Studio?

The favourite moment for me is always when the producers say “and we are rolling... in 3..2..1” and the intro music plus, beat kicks in, the stage lights up - you just got into another zone.

Who is your icon in the music industry?

Nusrat Fateh Ali.

One thing you like best about yourself:

My voice, I guess.

You don’t like people who are...

Dogmatic.

You are afraid of...

Not getting to my goals because time runs out.

Your most valuable possession:

My Macbook because of all the software I have bought.

You are passionate about...

Making music.

Your favourite hangout:

‘Hotspot’.

Your all-time favourite movie:

‘Before Sunrise’ - the whole tri-series

Are you a shopaholic?

Hardly. I like to save.

What bores you the most?

Hearing stories I have heard a million times and bad PowerPoint presentations.

You get super uncomfortable when...

I’m hungry.

What is your favourite tune nowadays?

‘Eastside’ by Benny Blanco

Song that always gets you on the dance floor:

‘Get Lucky’ by Daft Punk/Pharrell

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

London, but I really want to go to Tokyo.

If you had access to a time machine, which era would you revisit?

Probably the dinosaurs’ era. I really liked ‘Jurassic Park’ as a kid.

What do you think this country needs the most?

Dams.

What’s the last thing you bought?

A VST!

What books are on your bedside table?

They are all in my phone now - Kindle.

First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

Black coffee.

When I am not working, I am usually...

Doing anything/everything except watching TV.

The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far...

Patience.

The biggest misconception about you...

That I am dead. A newspaper wrote an article about my death with my picture.

How do you like to spend your Sundays?

I feel like I don’t have Sundays. Every day is a Monday or Sunday, depending on my attitude.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

That’s a secret.