You are a singer-songwriter and a social activist as well. Tell us about your foray into the field of music. How did it all begin for you? I honestly don’t know. I have always had profound inclination towards music, which compelled me to pick up different instruments and learn to play them and experiment with sound from a young age. Growing up, I would record different things – whether using those cassette recorders back in the day or the free software audacity on my early Pentium computer. My journey into the field of music has been completely subconscious. I am a firm believer that somehow life leads and guides your way towards things that are in your destiny. What social causes do you feel the most strongly about? Are you affiliated with any charity work or give regular donations to any? Education. I like saying, “Parhain ge tou barhain ge.” (We will grow if we study) I am affiliated with several charities and I also donate substantially to them. No nation can progress or prosper without the strong foundation of education. If the population is educated, issues like human rights and women empowerment will automatically be aided because the people will be more aware of the benefits that come with them. You are considered as one of the most popular and high-profile celebrities of Pakistan. How much responsibility do you feel you now have in being a role model for the newer generation and to carry your name with care? I wouldn’t consider myself a celebrity and being high-profile is far-fetched. However, I am aware of the reach I have. What matters the most to me is to be able to establish myself as someone the average Pakistani can relate to, so that they can draw inspiration: if she can do it, we can too. Keeping that in mind, I need to always make sure I practice what I preach. Motivating with words and motivating by example are poles apart. The latter is much more impactful. ‘Not everyone is in it for the love of the art — most people have other agendas’ Last year, BBC listed you as one of the 100 Most Influential Women and Forbes has also featured you among the 30 Under 30 Asia list. According to you, in what ways do you think you might have influenced the music or entertainment scene in Pakistan? Do you feel you have contributed as much as you had to? BBC and Forbes did not honour me for my contribution in music and entertainment, but for the impact I might have made with my social work. While I feel extremely honoured and humbled by the recognition I have received from these prestigious organisations, I do not think I have done anything close to what I aspire to do. If anything, these push and motivate me to do much more so that I can justify this recognition to my own self. As far as the music industry goes, I don’t think I have influenced it in any way so far. I have hardly made any music apart from ‘Coke Studio’, because I wanted to earn recognition for who I am before letting the musician in me be highlighted. But since I have been able to do that to some level, I’m ready to start making my contribution as a musician. Considering you were one of the 40 Most Successful Graduates of Stony Brook University, looking back, tell us a little about your student life? I studied Biomedical Engineering and also Applied Mathematics and Statistics at Stony Brook University. The university gave me the perfect environment to transition from being a kid to an adult. The university follows a diversified educational curriculum; hence I had to take classes from every discipline which helped me be more aware and rounded in knowledge. I loved being involved in all that I could be involved in. I founded and was the president of the Pakistani Student Association and I almost joined a sorority (which I decided to tap out of since it wasn’t really my cup of tea). I used to love cooking for all my friends on a daily basis. One of the greatest things I learned from my time at university was how to manage my time, efficiently organise my space and how to do laundry. In what ways is the music industry more or less receptive towards female singers? Does being a woman work in favour of or against somebody in the industry? What were some of the initial challenges you had to overcome? What did you learn the hard way? To be honest, I don’t know. I haven’t really worked in the music industry – apart from ‘Coke Studio’. I can only speak from personal experience and I don’t think I have been at a disadvantage because of my gender. I have been lucky to have had worked with people who have extended a great amount of support and a lot of respect to me. I learned the hard way that not everyone is in it for the love of the art – most people have other agendas. Being associated with a lot of humanitarian work, what is your vision for Pakistan and what does it mean to be Pakistani for you? No matter where I go or what I do, I am a proud Pakistani. Pakistan is my identity and it is my homeland. I would never want to compare it to any other country. I see a Pakistan where we all actively play our part in bettering the country and not just leave it to the politicians/governing bodies. I see a Pakistan that embraces the true symbolism of our flag: inclusion for all, regardless of religion. I see a Pakistan where men, women and transgender persons work side by side without being judged, receive equal respect, education and job opportunities. All of this is possible only if we focus on equipping our population with education. What, according to you has been your biggest achievement so far? Getting validation from my parents. They had always been skeptical about me being in the public eye because of the negativity that comes with it. Also they did not want me to be reduced to a face or a voice, because although music is a part of me, it most certainly doesn’t define me as a person. My parents wanted me to be recognised for who I really am and what I really stand for. Now that I have earned recognition through international platforms for being more than just an entertainer,. What motivates you to excel no matter? Life. Everyone has a journey and a journey has both smooth and rough patches. We, at Daily Times, consider you one of our national heroes. Who are some of yours? Every Pakistani who works hard to make a living or is a contributing member of society in any way or form is a national hero to me. Achievements INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM Momina Mustehsan is not just a recognised singer and songwriter but is also an activist. She has been lauded for her work by the international community as well. Last year, BBC named her one of the 100 Most Influential Women and Forbes has featured her among its 30 Under 30 Asia list. She was honoured by the Stony Brook University who named her among the 40 Most Successful Graduates. She sang the acclaimed song “Awari” for Bollywood film ‘Ek Villain’ in 2014. TOPPING THE CHARTS Her collaboration with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for “Afreen afreen” became one of the most viewed songs of Pakistan, garnering over 100 million views. Momina Mustehsan’s first original single “Aaya Na Tu” topped the music charts in the country and peaked at #five on YouTube within 24 hours upon its release. DEDICATED ACTIVIST Mustehsan is an active humanitarian and philanthropist. She promotes various causes such as education and mental health and is particularly vocal about issues such as the role of women in Pakistan and feminism. She is affiliated with several charities and also donates substantially to them. Published in Daily Times, August 9th 2018.