Renowned Pakistani playback singer Humaira Channa appeared on Dunya News’ popular comedy talk show ‘Mazaq Raat’, where she spoke openly about her career beginnings, personal struggles, and family dynamics. Known for her soulful voice and contributions to film music, Humaira provided deep insights into the challenges she faced behind the glamour of the music industry.
Artistic Roots and Early Exposure
Humaira revealed that her passion for music was deeply rooted in her family. Her father was a film producer who initially produced Sindhi films before transitioning to Punjabi and Urdu cinema. Her mother also had a keen interest in the performing arts. Growing up in a household that appreciated the arts gave her a natural inclination towards singing, but this didn’t guarantee her an easy path to success.
She started singing at a young age on Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television (PTV), where she got the opportunity to work with the legendary music director Nisar Bazmi. It was Bazmi who later offered her a chance to sing in films, a breakthrough that came with the film Hum Ek Hain, where she performed all the tracks.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama in Her Debut Film
Speaking about her first major film project, Humaira recounted the drama that unfolded during the making of Hum Ek Hain. A female singer who had also been cast as the film’s heroine insisted on singing the songs herself. However, Nisar Bazmi firmly stood by his decision to let Humaira sing instead, refusing to yield to the demands of the actress.
She also mentioned that the male lead of the film had several disputes with Bazmi, and the tensions on set became widely known across the film industry. Despite the behind-the-scenes conflict, Humaira’s performance stood out. Her songs in the film earned her recognition and awards, which significantly boosted her confidence.
Rise to Fame and Collaboration with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
The film’s success marked the beginning of Humaira Channa’s journey to stardom. She shared that the fame and accolades from Hum Ek Hain opened many doors, one of the biggest being the opportunity to perform with the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. She described this collaboration as one of the greatest achievements of her career, a dream come true for any singer in South Asia.
Love, Marriage, and a Life of Devotion
In an emotional part of the interview, Humaira responded to a question about her personal life and love. She stated that while she was passionately focused on her music career, she never fell in love with anyone before marriage. After getting married, however, she deeply loved and respected her husband, referring to him as a “virtual god” and the only man she ever truly loved.
Family Rejection and Ultimate Acceptance
One of the more poignant revelations came when Humaira discussed how her own family initially disowned her father for supporting her singing career. She said her father was taunted and shunned by relatives who disapproved of his daughter’s involvement in the entertainment industry.
Her uncle, in particular, severed all ties with her father. But as Humaira’s popularity grew and she became a nationally recognized artist, the same relatives who had once rejected them came back. Her family not only reconciled but also began proudly introducing her as “our daughter” to others.
A Voice That Overcame Silence
Humaira Channa’s candid interview serves as a powerful reminder of the personal sacrifices, family tensions, and perseverance that lie behind many successful artistic careers. Her journey from a child performer on PTV to a national icon who collaborated with the likes of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is not just inspiring — it’s a testament to her resilience and devotion to music.
As she continues to enchant audiences with her voice, Humaira Channa remains one of the most respected and celebrated voices in Pakistani music. Her story also highlights the evolving social attitudes toward women in the arts and the long path to acceptance, even within one’s own family.
