HOW A SINGING TALENT LED ARMAAN MALIK TO A MAGICAL CAREER PATH
by ASJAD NAZIR
HE MAY come from a musical family, but it is hard work and superb singing ability that has elevated Armaan Malik to great heights at a young age. He started off singing as an eight-year-old and has since risen through the ranks to become an in-demand star delighting millions.
Today the versatile singer mixes up film songs in various languages with chart-topping solo releases that have delighted music fans globally. His most recent single release Tootey Khaab continues his dream musical run and impressive rise. The emotion-filled song, accompanied by an eye-catching music video has made a strong connect with music fans.
With more high profile projects on the way, the unstoppable star looks set to rise higher and was in good spirits when Eastern Eye caught up with him for an interview. Armaan gave heartfelt answers as he spoke about music, his whirlwind rise, new single and more.
How do you look back at your amazing whirlwind rise?
(Smiles) Honestly, I don’t believe in looking back (just as my Twitter bio states). I’ve always believed in looking forward to achieving my next goal and once I achieve that, then the chase continues for the goal after.
Did you expect the success to happen so quickly?
I have been professionally singing since the age of eight. So I don’t think my success happened quickly. It’s been a long journey of almost 15 years, which started with me being a child singer in ads and popular children’s films. People often overlook these years while talking about my career. They only see the career from Jai Ho (2014) until now. However, I am really blessed and grateful for the beautiful journey I have had so far and the success I have earned and continue to enjoy till date.
How have you coped with the demand and sky-high expectations that come with all the success?
From producers to listeners, everyone wants a song to be a super hit. These unrealistic expectations trouble an artist. The only way one can try to meet these expectations is to work harder than before. That’s what I do and will continue to do. It’s not possible to hit a bulls-eye with every track you release, but you can always give it your all every time you work on something new, in the hope it does hit the mark.
How much has a dedicated fan base helped you?
My fans are my backbone. The reason I can work on new music at ease is because they are so patient. They believe in me and what I put out. Apart from the music, my fans and I share a very candid relationship on social media and that’s what makes it so special to be on this journey.
What is the biggest thing you have learned about yourself during this remarkable rise?
I am much more patient now than I thought I was. Nothing worth having comes easy and sometimes the biggest destroyer of things can be impatience. I am glad this journey has taught me the art of being patient.
All of your songs must be special to you in some way, but which are closest to your heart?
My three favourite songs from my own discography that are the closest to my heart are, Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon, Tere Mere and Bol Do Na Zara.
Tell us about your newly released song?
My latest is a heartbreak song called Tootey Khaab. It’s a simple and beautiful composition by Kunaal & Rangon (Songster Muzic) and as soon as Kunaal Vermaa played this song six months ago, I knew this song had to be my next single.
What inspired the song?
Well, I recall rapper Honey Singh once saying in an interview that he writes songs about what’s currently happening among the youth around him and that’s why his songs were always popular among the youth. That’s exactly the first place from where the idea of this song took birth.
Who are you hoping connects with the song?
I wanted to do a song, which would resonate with the young generation. I was observing quite a few relationships around me, and many of them had hordes of these issues cropping up due to social media. Why did you like that boy/girl’s picture on Insta, why did you put up a picture with him/her, I am blocking you etc. I wanted to present a heartbreak song in the background of these social media and texting elements, which are really relevant in today’s times.
You are able to put a lot of emotion into slower and romantic songs, where does that come from?
I am a very real and emotional guy, and I cannot fake my feelings, which is why whenever I sing a track if I can’t do justice to it (I won’t do it). Whenever I sing a song, I give it my all – vocally and emotionally.
Do you get affected emotionally when singing songs like this?
Sometimes you do get affected. I remember singing this track called Alo Chhaya for a Bengali film called Criss Cross. I had to go into a very dark zone to deliver it and for two days after the dub, I felt really weird. But I guess it depends from song to song.
Can you tell if a song will be a hit while recording it?
Yes! Almost 90 per cent of the time I get a feeling of how big the song is going to be when it’ll release.
What is the master plan going forward?
(Laughs) You think I’m going to share that with anyone? It’s all top secret! I like giving my fans surprises.
Who would you love to work with next?
I would love to work with Pritam Chakraborty because we both love each other’s work, but unfortunately, haven’t been able to ever collaborate yet. So really waiting for that to happen!
Can you see yourself doing projects in the west?
All I can say to that is that there are a lot of surprises coming your way! Wait for it.
Can you see yourself making the move to acting?
I am not going to make a move to acting. If at all I do it, it will be another feather in my hat. Music is and will always be my first love. When it comes to acting, the right project matters. (If anything) I would like to do a music-based film in the near future.
Do you have ambitions away from music?
I’m a big foodie. I plan to venture into the hospitality business at some point in the future and open up a few restaurants and cafés.
If you could master something new, what would it be?
Dancing! I know you can be great at a certain art form, but never fully master any. Well, I wish to dance more and become great at it. I have a natural rhythm in me so now it’s all about getting deep into it and mastering the chops.
What music is dominating your own playlist right now?
I listen to a lot of international artists. My current favourite songs are, F*ck im lonely by Lauv and Anne Marie, Beautiful People by Ed Sheeran and Khalid, and How Do You Sleep by Sam Smith.
Why do you love to sing?
I sing so I can feel alive. Without music I am nothing. It gives meaning to my existence.
What is your message for your fans?
I love my fans so much! They are the best fans in the whole wide world. My music, your love for life!
Tootey Khaab by Armaan Malik is out now. Follow him on Twitter: @ArmaanMalik22 & Instagram: @ArmaanMalik
INDIAN cricket has signed Apollo Tyres as its new lead sponsor after fantasy sports platform Dream11 ended its contract following a government ban on online gambling.
The men's team travelled to the United Arab Emirates for the ongoing Asia Cup without a sponsor on their shirts after Dream11 exited the deal, which was worth about $44 million and was set to run until 2026.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the new contract with Apollo Tyres runs until March 2028. While the value was not disclosed, the board said it is higher than the previous deal.
"The new partnership, secured after a rigorous bidding process, represents a substantial increase in sponsorship value, signifying the immense and growing commercial appeal of Indian cricket," the BCCI said in a statement.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said, "We are excited about this being Apollo's first major sponsorship in India cricket, which speaks volumes about the sport's unparalleled reach and influence. This is more than a commercial agreement; it's a partnership between two institutions that have earned the trust and respect of millions."
Apollo Tyres Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Neeraj Kanwar said, "Cricket's unmatched popularity in India and worldwide makes it an honour for us to become the national team lead sponsor of Team India."
The Apollo Tyres logo will appear on the jerseys of the Indian men's and women's teams across all formats.
Last month, the Indian parliament passed a law banning online gambling. The government said gambling platforms had caused financial distress, addiction and even suicide, and were linked to fraud, money laundering and terrorism financing. Fantasy sports apps such as Dream11 continue to operate, though for prizes and not cash.
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Sydney Sweeney reportedly offered £45m for a leading role in a major Bollywood film
The package includes £35m in fees and £10M in sponsorship deals
Filming is tentatively planned for early 2026 across New York, Paris, London, and Dubai
The project could make Sweeney one of the highest-paid Hollywood stars to join Indian cinema
A record-breaking offer
Hollywood actor Sydney Sweeney has reportedly been approached with a staggering £45M deal to star in one of the most expensive Bollywood films ever produced.
The 28-year-old Euphoria and The White Lotus star is said to have been offered £35m in fees plus an additional £10m through sponsorship agreements.
Details of the proposed project
The untitled film would cast Sweeney as a young American celebrity who falls in love with an Indian star. Filming is expected to begin early next year, with international locations including New York, Paris, London, and Dubai.
Industry insiders describe the project as an effort to bring Indian cinema to an even larger global audience, with Sweeney’s involvement seen as a move to elevate its international appeal.
Industry perspective
A source close to the negotiations said: “Sydney was shocked by the offer at first — £45m is an incredible sum. But the project is intriguing, and it could elevate her global profile even further. Nothing has been decided yet, but it’s a huge opportunity and she is weighing her options carefully.”
A step into Bollywood
If she accepts, Sweeney would join other international stars who have crossed into Bollywood, including Priyanka Chopra and Shilpa Shetty. The Indian film industry has increasingly sought crossover projects to expand its global reach.
Recent career highlights
Sweeney, who rose to fame on HBO’s Euphoria and The White Lotus, has recently been building her film career. Her latest project, Christy, sees her portraying US boxing champion Christy Martin, the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Speaking about the physically demanding role, Sweeney said: “Every single fight you see, we’re actually punching each other. I always believed that you wouldn’t be able to make it feel real if it’s a stunt double or if it’s faking the hits.” Christy is set for release on November 7.
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Nvidia boss Jensen Huang has said he is “disappointed” following reports
China’s Cyberspace Administration has reportedly ordered tech firms to stop using Nvidia’s AI chips
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says he is “disappointed” but will remain “patient”
Huang is visiting the UK alongside other tech leaders during Donald Trump’s state visit
Nvidia became the world’s first $4tn company earlier in 2025 amid the AI boom
Huang responds to reported China directive
Nvidia boss Jensen Huang has said he is “disappointed” following reports that China has told its leading technology firms to halt purchases of the company’s artificial intelligence chips.
Speaking to reporters in the UK, Huang added that he would remain “patient” in light of the reported order from China’s internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration. “There are a lot of places we can’t go to, and that’s fine,” he said.
Background to chip restrictions
Nvidia is the world’s leading chipmaker, central to the global AI boom with its processors powering data centres worldwide. China, meanwhile, has been working to develop its own semiconductors as part of a broader AI strategy to reduce reliance on US technology.
The company had already faced restrictions in China. Its most advanced chips were previously banned from sale to the country before US President Donald Trump reversed the decision in July. As part of an unusual arrangement, Nvidia must pay 15% of its Chinese revenues to the US government.
Financial Times report
According to the Financial Times, China’s Cyberspace Administration recently told domestic technology firms — including major players such as DeepSeek, Tencent and Alibaba — to stop buying Nvidia’s specially designed China-market chips.
Shares in Nvidia were down more than 1% in pre-market trading following the news.
Support for US policy
Asked about the geopolitical tensions, Huang said he would support the US as it sought to resolve the issues and would convey the same message directly to President Trump if asked.
Huang is one of several technology leaders, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, attending Trump’s state visit to the UK. They are expected to join a state banquet on Wednesday evening.
UK investment and tech collaboration
Despite the reported setback in China, Nvidia has continued to expand its footprint elsewhere. The company recently announced it would supply chips to the Stargate UK data centre, a major project in north-east England involving OpenAI, Arm and NScale. The commitment forms part of a broader UK-US technology pact.
Valuation milestone
Nvidia became the first company in the world to surpass a $4tn (£2.9tn) market valuation earlier this year, underscoring its dominance in the AI sector even as geopolitical tensions shape its global reach.
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Tagenarine Chanderpaul. (Photo by PAT HOELSCHER/AFP via Getty Images)
BATSMEN Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze were recalled to the West Indies ranks when they were named in the squad to tour India on Tuesday (16) while left-arm spinner Khary Pierre is included for the first time.
The two-Test series, with matches in Ahmedabad and Delhi, marks the West Indies' first tour to India since 2018 and forms part of the World Test Championship.
Neither Chanderpaul nor Athanaze were involved in the recent series against Australia but have been included to bolster the top-order batting.
"The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles, with Alick Athanaze being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling," said head coach Daren Sammy.
Pierre, meanwhile, has been included as the second specialist spinner in the squad after strong performances in the West Indies championship, where he claimed a chart-topping 41 wickets at an average of 13.56.
"Khary is included for the first time as our second spinner in what we expect to be helpful conditions," said Sammy.
Another left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who has not figured since the second Test against Pakistan in Multan in January, has been rested for this red-ball series to focus on the upcoming limited-overs schedule which includes the T20 World Cup in February and March.
West Indies, who are ranked eighth in the Test rankings, face a stiff test against the fourth-ranked side who are always so strong on home soil.
"Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions." said Sammy.