A hair-raising musical journey

STYLIST-TURNED-SINGER MOIN SABRI DISCUSSES HIS UNIQUE CAREER

by ASJAD NAZIR

ARTISTS will take different paths towards their musical dream and some like the journey taken by singer Moin Sabri are unique.

The Mumbai-based singer started off as a successful hairstylist and worked with many big named celebrities, including Neha Kakkar, Tusshar Kapoor, Rana Dagubatti, Rajkumar Rao and south Indian superstar Suriya.

He then surprised everyone with his voice and used his superb singing ability to slowly rise through the musical ranks.

He has sung for films and also released his own songs, including his most recent track Judaai. The multi-talented music star hasn’t disconnected from styling and today balances singing with making big named celebrities look great.

Eastern Eye caught up with singing stylist Moin Sabri to talk about his music, unique career path, new song and future hopes.

Tell us about your work as a stylist?

I actually started my career working with musicians in Mumbai. I  worked on Indian Idol with Salim and Sulaiman sir, Ashaji (Bhosle), Sunidhi Chauhan and Anu Malik sir. It was my first reality show as a stylist. Then I worked on many commercials and projects, including the film City Lights with Rajkummar Rao. I have also worked with Neha Kakkar as a stylist and worked on the movie Golmaal Again with Tusshar Kapoor sir. I have worked with Rana Daggubati and Suriya in Chennai. Overall, as a stylist, I have worked with many heroines and I feel blessed to have done so.

You are a very successful stylist, who has worked with many stars, but where is your musical connection from?

I come from a very musical family; so my background is as a musician and it has always been in my blood. People have always appreciated my voice and that belief people had in me led me towards singing. Having been brought up in a family of musicians and being surrounded by music, it was a natural progression for me.

You were working as a successful stylist and got your first musical break. Tell us about that?

I started my singing career with the Bollywood movie Revolver Rani and I am thankful to the whole team, including Kangana (Ranaut) maam, (director) Sai Kabir sir and music composer Sanjeev Srivastav sir. Sai Kabir sir got to know that I am from the Sabri family and called me to sing a song, and shortly after, he gave me an opportunity. Sanjiv Srivastava sir also supported me a lot during the recording. I had no idea this song would be there in the movie and was so happy when it was. So Revolver Rani will always be close to my heart as it was my first step in Bollywood. Then I followed it up with various musical projects and here I am today with my own single Judaai.

Tell us about your latest song Judaai?

My most recent music release Judaai features my very dear friend and brother Gunjan Utreja in the music video. The music sounds amazing thanks to Aditya Dev, who is a very big programmer in the industry. I am also very thankful to all those who made the song and music video happen.

Who are your greatest musical influences?

I am inspired most by my family, including Iqbal Afzal saab, Rashid saab and the two most important people of our family, who earned fame in the Bollywood industry, Sajid Khan and Wajid Khan.

What kind of songs do you enjoy singing?

I enjoy singing romantic songs, but the genre I like most is Sufi because it has a depth of emotion that I can really connect with, and brings out the best in my singing.

What project can we expect next from you?

There are many good upcoming projects and I am looking forward to sharing them with you all.

Now that you have launched a successful singing career, will you disconnect yourself from being a hairstylist?

Styling is my passion and I enjoy it. Music is in my blood, so will never go away, but styling is something I learned and will never disconnect myself from it. Both have given me so much. I always imagined that one day I will have my own salon, where my own music would be played and this is what happened to me.

What inspires you?

Music always inspires me and I think always will.

Why do you love music?

You don’t need anyone when you connect to some good music. When I am sad I always listen to good music. Music connects you to God.

Visit Instagram: @Moin.Sabri