Q&A: Five minutes with Pakistani starlet Komal Rizvi, ahead of Dubai debut at MTV Undivided

Komal Rizvi. Courtesy IndiaCast

Actress, singer, TV presenter ... Komal Rizvi is known for electrifying audiences on screen and stage alike.

The Pakistani pop princess will perform in the UAE for the first time on Friday (July 8), at Dubai World Trade Centre as part of MTV Undivided, a bumper concert bill also starring Shafqat Amanat Ali and Indian vocalist Papon.

To mark the occasion, we put some questions to the rising star.

Can we expect any special surprises from your Dubai debut?

I’m always excited before all my gigs, every time I’m on stage I realise it’s the only time I truly feel alive. Even after doing hundreds and hundreds of gigs I still get that wonderful zing before going onstage.

As far as surprises are concerned, I have prepared one surprise song which is not in my usual set especially for this particular gig ... but if tell you, it won’t be a surprise, will it?

Diversity is a big theme of MTV Undivided. It seems fitting such a concert should take place in the UAE, where all cultures live side-by-side. What are your experiences of the emirates’ expat communities?

Dubai is most certainly the most convenient place — although I have performed in unifying and neutral places where all the immigrants from the entire subcontinent have come together, like Norway, the United Kingdom, and the USA.

My experiences with expats in Dubai have always been very homey and very positive. I was born in Dubai, so its like a second home to me regardless.

What are you working on next?

I am doing a drama serial, a film, a tour in August in the USA, launching a new song with Q from Josh called Desan da Raja, performing in ARY Unplugged with seven new songs, working on two Pakistani film soundtracks ... and of course a few local gigs coming up — all in 2016.

Anything else to tell our readers?

I believe the power of love can change the world, change the fate of our lives and our nations. I pray and hope with all my heart that we can all learn to forget our biases and become one mighty people.

MTV Undivided takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre on July 8 and 9 from 7pm. Tickets from Dh100 via platinumlist.ae.