Siddharth Slathia - Doing what he does best

A few days ago a friend of mine sent me a music video by Siddharth Slathia. I was totally impressed and taken aback by his beautiful, melodious voice. I found his facebook page and decided to drop him a message. I never expected to get an almost instant response considering that he has a massive social media following.  He comes across as a very simple, down to earth human being who enjoys engaging with all his fans on a personal level online.  Read on to find out more in his own words.

1. Firstly Siddharth, thank you so much for taking time out to be interviewed by me. I am curious to know, who is Siddharth Slathia? Tell me a little about your family background and life from childhood until present?

It’s my pleasure and honour. Well, I come from a middle-class family from Jammu & Kashmir. My mum is a school teacher and father works in a bank, and I am the only child. I grew up in Jammu and after my high school, my parents sent me to Jaipur to study Engineering. However, my heart was always in music. So, I quit engineering in the fourth semester after watching Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots and started learning Indian Classical.

2. Do you belong to a musically inclined family? Did you always want to become a musician or did you embark on another career first?

No, I am the only one and the first one to have chosen music as my career in the entire family. I was always interested in music but it was only after I started studying Engineering that I realised that it wasn’t for me and the only thing I wanted to pursue was music…the Aamir Khan movie “3 Idiots” inspired me and pushed me to go for my passion which has always been music.

3. Are you a professionally trained singer or is music just a hobby?

I’m trained in Indian Classical and singing is my profession.

4. Tell me more about your massive social media following on You tube as well as facebook. How did that come about? Were you surprised that so many people took an interest in your songs?

I don’t know how but I guess it’s because of all the hardwork and dedication over the past 6-7 years. It hasn’t come about over night, it’s taken a long time but as they say “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. I am thankful to all my fans who have been supporting me throughout my journey.

5. Who is your favourite singer of all time?

I listen to all the great legendary singers and try to learn from everyone but Rafi Sahab and Sonu Nigam ji are the two singers who I idolize.

6. If you could be granted one wish and have any skill or talent in the world, what would it be?

Haha, I am happy and content with the talent God has already given me.

7.  What are your favourite websites?

Have never thought about favourite websites before but I guess I use Youtube, facebook and google on a regular basis.

8. I noticed that the videos you post online are very well put together. Who assists you with the technical aspects of your videos?

I do it all myself

9. Has social media changed your life? Since you have reached a certain degree of online fame, have you received offers to perform on stage or to become a part of the mainstream Bollywood industry?

Yes, of course. I got an opportunity to work with A  R Rahman sahab and the composer duo Salim-Sulaiman. I have been getting so many live shows as well. I am also discussing a couple of Bollywood projects as a composer/singer. And this is all because of my work on social media.

10. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I see myself as a successful Bollywood playback singer five years from now.

11. What advice would you give to young aspiring musicians out there?

Be original..originality is very important to survive in the industry for a long run. Keep on evolving. Listen to a lot of quality music of different genres. Be consistent in publishing your work on social media. 

Once again, thank you Siddharth for taking the time to answer these questions. Desert Moon wishes you all the best in your future endeavours!!! This is definitely one of the most inspiring interviews that I have ever done. I am so honored and proud to have interviewed a man who is all set and ready to make an impact globally. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

Dheiraj Kapoor- Success runs through his veins

Dheiraj Kapoor! Let me guess, you probably thinking he is a member of the famous Kapoor family in Bollywood. Well he isn't. He started out his career in 1995 as a model with assignments like Honda Activa TVC, Byford t-shirts Campaign, Gurukul Campaign, BPL net.com Campaign, and IBM computers Campaigns. He also acted in four English plays with internationally acclaimed theatre personality Mahesh Dattani and also acted in a Hindi play whilst doing his summer course at the National School of Drama. Having moved away from his family's well-established retail business, Dheiraj decided to pursue his career within the entertainment industry. Through his business and entrepreneurial skills, he has managed to execute and conceptualize hundreds of brand campaigns for leading international brands. It gives me an immense pleasure to interview a man of his stature and calibre, a successful entrepreneur and businessman who is certainly easy on the eyes. Read on to find out more in his own words.....

                                                       Photo credit Madhu S Dutta 

Drink you would order at a coffee shop: A healthy organic vegetable or fruit juice (I don’t drink neither coffee or tea or aerated drinks) Thus you will never find me in and around a coffee shop.

Favourite Indian cuisine: Butter Chicken, Butter Nun, Tandoori Chicken and Rajma Chawal
Favourite cologne: Tom Ford
Favourite holiday destination: Have many favourites as I have had the opportunity to travel extensively around the globe but amongst my recent favourites…it has to be Portugal

1. Firstly Dheiraj, thank you so much for taking time out to be interviewed by me on such short notice. Tell me a little more about your family background and life from childhood until present? Did you formally go to an acting school? Where did you study?

I am extremely grateful that you have thought about me for your blog. Thank you. I have a very blessed life thus far with the most beautiful parents who I could always count on and siblings who are by my side through every day of my existence.Originally a North Indian, I am born and brought up in Bangalore, therefore I have inculcated a fair mix of both North and South Indian cultural nuances in me - which has given me a cosmopolitan outlook therefore established a futuristic vision in self.
In Bangalore I have done theatre workshops with Mahesh Dattani, and followed it up with workshops in NSD New Delhi, LSDA London and New York, which has significantly enriched my experience in learning the art and craft of acting.

2.Did you always wish to be a part of the entertainment industry? Was your family supportive of you in terms of your career choices?

Certainly! It's has been my childhood dream to be a part of the celluloid world - pursuing my passion in this beautiful and fulfilling art form called 'acting' Since my childhood I was always keen in participating in dramatics, acting, fancy dress and dancing competitions. This resulted in developing my passionate interest for the world of cinema.
My family and friends have been extremely supportive, in fact they have been living my dreams, cherishing and nurturing them every moment.

3. Tell me a little bit about your modelling career. How did you enter the acting industry?

I have done modelling in the early stages of my career across different product categories like automobiles, fashion apparel, technical gadgets etc. Thus I had realized my intrinsic love to being in front of the lens.
My vision that being a model, one must possess the skills of acting, know how to be able to pose the right body language and strike the expression.
I enjoyed modelling and acting was a natural progression when I got the offer to work in films...I love the camera! Therefore doesn't matter whether it's modelling or acting - it’s all about a seamless visual narrative which being the protagonist I need to bring on board. And that's exactly what my endeavour has been thus far!

4. How do you balance your personal life and your career?

Respect both ends of the spectrum - and do my best to live up to my professional and personal commitments - because both bring to me an immense sense of gratification.
Therefore I take special efforts to keep the fun in both the world alive!

5. I am totally blown over at the fact that you have been involved in so many brand campaigns for huge companies involving Bollywood A listers. Elaborate further about your career as a brand marketer. What does it entail and how does one get to the top in such a competitive market?

I enjoy my role as a Brand Marketer – for me it doesn’t matter whom I am catering to. All that drives my passion is the core of the idea, the implementation of the marketing plan and the overall success of the brand initiative. What brings immense joy and a huge sense of gratification is when my Clients considers me as an extended part of his team who adds value to his business.
Maintaining a strong database and networking of industry specific sponsors for events and building and nurturing relations with strategic leadership and artist’s/celebrities representatives.
To keep to the top, having an excellent network with the right resources in the Corporate and Bollywood industry is essential.

6. I have heard through the grape vine that many actors and actresses are cast in movies or serials through couch casting. Do you think that this kind of practice is occurring within the industry?

I have never gotten myself into such situations in my career, therefore it is unfair for me to make a statement.

7.What has been your most memorable experience in your life thus far?

For me living everyday is an experience… and it’s my endeavor to make it memorable

8. If you could be granted one wish and have any skill or talent in the world, what would it be?

To be bestowed with a skill to bring a warm smile to every individual with simple joys of life.

9. Who or what inspires you?

Life, nature and people around inspire me most. A constant source of energy, which imbibes a sense of positive vibe!

10. What are your favourite websites?

Google. It breaks all boundaries makes me connect all around the globe with people and information.

11. Do you follow a strict eating plan or are you a gym fanatic? Is it necessary to be physically fit if you are part of the movie industry?

I am a firm believer in being physically fit not only body but mind and soul as well; from an early age I have been actively involved in multiple sports and then eventually started my gyming regime. But to adhere to a more holistic physical fitness, I have gotten into yoga. The passion for yoga and benefits I derive from it lead me into taking the next step – acquiring myself a international certification to teach.
Diet is the most misunderstood concept when it comes to fitness. It is very important to understand the need for your body and have a balanced diet plan keeping in mind long-term goals for a healthy living. I am definitely not a fan of haphazard diets, which can hamper your health in the long run.
Yes it is necessary to keep oneself fit and maintain required body statistics according to the character one is playing.

12. Who is your favourite actor, actress and singer in Bollywood? What qualities do they have that make them special to you?

Actors: Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar, Guru Dutt & Amitabh Bachchan.
Actress: Late Smita Patil, Nargis, Sharmila Tagore, Rekha, Madhubala & Waheda Rehman.
Each had their own distinctive persona as well as individual and unique method of acting.

Singers: Music is the core essence of every movie - my favourites artists are Lata
Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh, Mohammed Rafi, Nursat Fateh Ali Khan etc. These are the singers who touched my soul every time I listen to their creation.

13. In your opinion, what qualities does a person require in order to be a part of the entertainment industry?

Entertainment world has a sense of mystery, a feel of enigma! As a star who is part of this world of celluloid, the most important quality one needs to hold on to is humility, practicality and never shy away from the reality.

14. Define success. What does success mean to you?

Success to me is an amalgamation of humility, persistence and a mind-set to constantly evolve as an individual.

15. Give me your opinion about plastic surgery? Many models win beauty pageants and then head straight into Bollywood. Most of them undergo drastic plastic surgery as well as skin lightening treatments in order to conform to a certain look. What is your opinion about actors and actresses becoming successful after they have undergone cosmetic surgery?

I am of the opinion that since I haven’t gone through this process myself, so i would not be the correct person to comment on this.

16. Where do you see yourself five years from now? What are your plans for the future?

My mantra in life is to take each day at a time - keep working with all the right intention and let the supreme power take care of you. I am a true believer of “The Law of Karma”.
I want to continue in acting and look at taking up varied roles - which can constantly fulfill my urge and hunger to a performance oriented role, bring out my individual strengths define a sharp differentiator for the artist in me.

17. Fame can do strange things to people. How do you cope with fame and the fact that people easily recognize you wherever you go.?

Staying grounded and constantly nurturing the sense of humility is the key to being real to life and people around.

18. What advice do you have for young aspiring actors out there?

My one humble advice to every individual who aspires to be an actor is never stop dreaming, never stop learning and never forget people who stood by you when you were not a star...it's their wish and love that has been a catalyst to your success story as well.

19. Are there any additional comments you’d like to add for the blog readers?

Thank you so much for this interview and I wish this article brings in love and light amongst
the blog readers worldwide. Happy Reading

20. One last final question. You mentioned to me that you have visited South Africa many times. What has been your opinion of the country? Do you think that more Bollywood films should be shot here in SA?

Howzit !!! This was the first introduction to your beautiful country. Friendly people with a warm heart and hospitality totally made me feel at ease. South Africa is a very beautiful country with a multi-ethnic society encompassing a wide variety of cultures, languages, and religions. Have traveled the length and breadth of the country and enjoyed the scenic beauty immensely.
Yes of course there is so much more to explore, given the diverse landscape and beauty of nature complementing every part of the country, South Africa definitely becomes a favourable destination to shoot films & campaigns. I always look forward to coming back… hopefully this time with my film.

Dear Sumayya Mehtar,
Last but not the least I am grateful and would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this amazing article.
Gratitude!
Cheers

DK

                                                         Photo credit Madhu S Dutta 

                           Watch out for Dheiraj Kapoors movie ANONA releasing next year

Photo credit: Natraaj Maharshi

"Every drop is so pure like nectar for the skin that caresses right through the veins that touch the soul awakening the innocence of a child. That is the magic that dwells within the power of nature, its gift, given with the warmth and love like of a mother. This is ANONA... goddess that dwells everywhere. She is within us and around us. "

To find out more about this exceptionally humble and down to earth actor and entrepreneur, check out his facebook page and website

www.dheirajkapoor.com

Deepak Wadhwa - A man on a mission

For those of you who do not know who Deepak Wadhwa is, well he is an Indian television actor and model. He has performed many roles in various Hindi television shows, like Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein, Ishq Kills,Qubool Hai,Code Red. As of July 2015, he has done his most recent role in Aahat (season 6). Currently, he is playing a lead role in the Star Plus drama Meri Tamanna, a program that I am thoroughly enjoying. The sports based serial has been garnering positive responses from audiences throughout the world. He has featured as a cameo in Madhur Bahndarkar's "Calender Girls". In terms of his modelling career, he won the title of Mr. India International 2008. Apart from this, he has also featured in many commercials as well as advertisements for various international brands. It gives me an immense amount of pleasure to be able to interview the charming and dashing Mr. Deepak Wadhwa who is an extremely humble and down to earth human being. I had lots of fun conducting this interview via whatsapp audio.Read on to find our more in his own words.

Nationality: Indian

Favourite Indian cuisine: Home made food is the best. I do enjoy Chinese cuisine

Favourite cologne: Gucci Guilty

1. Firstly Deepak, thank you so much for taking time out to be interviewed by me on such short notice. Tell me a little more about your family background and life from childhood until present? Did you formally go to an acting school? Where did you study?

Well, its my pleasure Sumayya. In terms of my family background, I have a mom and two elder brothers. Both are married and both have kids and of course I am also married now. When I was a child I wanted to be a cricketer (laughing). I guess every child in India wants to be a cricketer at any one point in their lives. Anyway, when I got a little older, I realized that I would like to be famous, I mean really famous. Until now whenever I watch movies, I tell myself that this is where I want to be. I want to be on the silver screen. So what I am involved with right now in terms of my career is in actual fact a bridge that will allow me to see the end of the tunnel.. ultimately being on the silver screen.With regards to acting school, I did not attend any acting school as such. I have attended many theatre workshops for a couple of months and I performed in a number of plays before getting my first break in the serial " Dhoond legi Manzil Humein" 

2.Did you always wish to be a part of the acting industry? Has your family been supportive of your career choices?

After completing my 12th grade, I wanted to be a part of the modelling and acting industry but then at the same time I wanted to study. I still love studying and if time permits I would like to enhance myself further in terms of doing a few courses.. Any way I got into B tech and I told myself that I needed to complete my engineering degree first and thereafter I could do whatever I wanted to. After acquiring my degree I got my portfolio done. I then entered the Mr India 2008 competition. I got through, reached the finals and then got the title of Mr. India International 2008. I also made it in the top 5. My family honestly wish well for me. Like all other families, parents want their kids to have some kind of stability. The same applied to me. For the first 3 years during my modelling career, my dad wanted me to rather be a part of a stable work environment and encouraged me to rather take up a job instead of modelling. But at the same time he never prevented me from modelling. When I eventually got the lead role in the television series "Dhoond legi Manzil Humein" that's the time dad was very happy and content with regards to the career path I had chosen. I'll give you a fine example, whenever he use to meet people, he would say that my son is an engineer, please find him a good job. After I started shooting for the television series, he started telling people that my son is an actor (laughing). So that was quite a nice feeling.

After being in the modelling industry for quite a while in New Delhi, I decided that I required a shift in career.I needed to get into acting. That's when I met my Guru Dilip Shankarjee. Under his wings I got my theatre workshops done.He was there for me supporting me throughout. I did a few plays as well with him.Then of course whilst doing the plays I worked on enhancing myself in terms of being a better actor. One day I got a call from Mumbai to audition. I sent my audition from Delhi. I got finalized for my first television show  "Dhoond legi Manzil Humein". Before getting my first break I need to mention that I went to Mumbai 4 to 5 times to audition for the leading roles but I didn't get it. Eventually of course I managed to succeed by acquiring my first break on television.It was a lovely moment for me.

3. Tell me a little bit about your modelling career. 

On completing my engineering degree, Oracle offered me a job. I turned down the job and instead got a portfolio done. I then entered the Mr India 2008 competition. I got through, reached the finals and then got the title of Mr. India International. 

4. How do you balance your personal life and your career? I am sure that you have a huge female fan following. Has this ever had an impact on your marriage?

In terms of balancing my personal life and my career, I must say that I am really fortunate to have a wife who is extremely understanding. At the same time I have realized that whenever we have free time, we need to make the best of it. We should live every moment of life to the fullest. You never know when its your last honestly.  Whenever I am not working, even though I am tired or had a long day, I make sure I spend time with my wife. Take her out for coffee or to the movies. We usually travel a lot. We try taking short trips every 3 months. And every 6 months we either take a trip within India to a region we have not seen before or we travel abroad. The female fan following has to be there. But it has never ever been a problem. My wife is quite understanding and hence there has never ever been any negative impact on my marriage. 

5. I have heard through the grape vine that many actors and actresses are cast in movies or serials through couch casting. Do you think that this kind of practice is occurring within the industry? .

The casting couch does exist everywhere in all industries, be it the movie industry or the corporate world as such. People accept the casting couch practice in order to attain a promotion. Ultimately it depends on you as an individual. Do you want to attain success through couch casting or do you wish to attain success through hard work. There are situations though where individuals have tried extremely hard to achieve success with no avail and hence the only route that was left for them in order to pursue a dream was through couch casting. Personally I am not at all in favour of couch casting. I believe that a person needs to persevere and have patience in order to acquire success. 

6.What has been your most memorable experience in your life thus far?

Getting the title of Mr. India International 2008 was a very proud moment. My father was sitting right there in the audience, watching me jumping with joy and also I was among the top 5. There was definitely no looking back. I did ramp shows, print shoots, commercials. Whatever brands were there I covered it all in New Delhi where I was doing my modelling. 

7. If you could be granted one wish and have any skill or talent in the world, what would it be?

If I could be granted one wish, I would really like to be able to dance like Hrithik Roshan (laughing). He is such a brilliant dancer. He is absolutely amazing. If my wish is not granted in terms of dancing then I would love to have Ranveer Singh's energy. Oh my God what energy the man has. 

8. Who or what inspires you?

With regards to inspiration I would say that the moment you step out of your house, everyone around you is an inspiration, be it the person in the car, the person in an auto or the person at the bus stop. You will find inspiration to push yourself.Whenever I go to a park, I see elderly people in their 50's and 60's walking and jogging. A lot of the times they are more alive and energetic than individuals who are younger than them. Of course, whenever I watch any movie, I am inspired to work harder in order to have a meaningful place within the acting industry which is competitive. Movies inspire me to work harder in order for me to be on the silver screen in the near future. 

9. What are your favourite websites?

There are no particular websites that I follow.I do however keep a check on travel blogs or articles on unexplored places as my wife and I both enjoy travelling a lot. 

10. Do you follow a strict eating plan or are you a gym fanatic? Is it necessary to be physically fit if you are part of the movie industry?

I am quite regular at the gym.I am not a gym fanatic though. It depends entirely on the project. If I get a project that entails me having a certain body type, then I will definitely frequent the gym more often in order to obtain the physique required. I also think that everyone out there needs to be physically fit,not only the people in the movie industry. You either go to the gym or jog in a park but being physically fit is important for everyone' health and wealth being. 

11. Who is your favourite actor, actress and singer in Bollywood? What qualities do they have that make them special to you?

I cant really say one name. I'd say Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor. In terms of qualities I think Amitabhjee at his age still has the hunger to deliver award winning performances.Wow, that's definitely inspiring. Shahrukh Khan, he is 50 and I read somewhere whilst doing the promotional song for the movie "Fan" he attained a knee injury. But if you look at the song video and view his performance it is flawless as though no injury was sustained. wow, how can he dance so well despite an injury. Ranveer Singh leaves me speechless. His energy is enormous. Ranbir Kapoors performance in Rockstar made me a die hard fan and of course Barfi. mmm actresses I'd say Vidya Balan and Deepika Padukone. Deepika has grown so much since her debut movie " Om Shanti Om' and with every film she is getting better and better. Singers, since the age of 10 or 15, I've been listening to KK, Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Mohit Chauhan and recently Arijit Singh.They are all brilliant. Up until now I still listen to the private albums that Sonu Nigam sang in. KK's songs I could connect to as they were all the college type songs. so yes, he is my favourite and I have been to many of his concerts and I'd definitely like to do it again.

12. In your opinion, what qualities does a person require in order to be a part of the acting industry?

 Of course you need to be talented for a start. As an actor you don't really need to be a good looking guy or a girl. You can be a normal average looking person who can adopt a character in a script.I think everyone is welcome in the acting industry if you have the ability to act. So you need to be talented and of course you must be able to put in a lot of hard work and persevere. 

13. Define success. What does success mean to you?

I can not define success because success is a relative term for me in the sense that I cant say that at any point of my life I am successful because the day I say that I am successful will be the day I'll stop improving in life, or going up in life. I think for me growing is important, the journey is important rather than saying that today I am successful.Even if I am working 24/7 non stop at a stretch for long periods of time, or even if I am a part of the A league group of actors on the silver screen, I will not say that I am successful. I will simply say yes I have achieved a lot but still there is a long way to go. We need to better ourselves all the time in all spheres of life.

14. Give me your opinion about plastic surgery? Many models win beauty pageants and then head straight into Bollywood. Most of them undergo drastic plastic surgery as well as skin lightening treatments in order to conform to a certain look. What is your opinion about actors and actresses becoming successful after they have undergone cosmetic surgery? 

Plastic surgery is a very individual choice. I personally do not support it for myself but of course if somebody wants to go for it then its totally their choice. I feel that I have this face and this body that was given to me by God and I shouldn't really play around with it. My body is a God given gift.

15.  Where do you see yourself five years from now? What are your plans for the future?

I don't think that far ahead. I live for the moment. Working hard each day and simply taking each day as it comes. Where my hard work takes me I have no idea. Of course I would want to be known as the most successful actor in the industry at some point in my life. Right now I prefer focusing on the present rather than worrying about the future.

16. Fame can do strange things to people. How do you cope with fame and the fact that people easily recognize you wherever you go ?

Yes you right, fame can do a lot of strange things to people. People can become arrogant and rude. But its very important to remain grounded and stay connected to your roots because you should always remember where you started out in life before achieving name and fame.You should be polite to people. Of course there are times when fans are rude towards us as actors, they might pass insensitive remarks and hence sometimes we do react as we are human beings as well. My wife assists me in being grounded and I would like to thank her for this. 

17.  What advice do you have for young aspiring actors out there?

Well, if you want to be a part of the acting industry, first of all you need to come here prepared. By this I mean you need to have to work on your acting skills. You need to be a good actor and be patient. You need to wait for the best role to come your way. You shouldn't give up. Giving up is definitely not an option in this industry. There are days when you will sit idle with absolutely no work and there will be times when you will be extremely busy for long periods of time. Being a part of this industry requires a mixture of patience, hard work and perseverance. When you reach a level of success, do not forget about those people who stood by  you when you were nothing.

18. Are there any additional comments you’d like to add for the blog readers?

Desert Moon's Diary is certainly a blog that is filled with lots of useful information. I found the content of the blog to be very interesting and informative. I would definitely recommend this blog page to my fans. I am pleased to be interviewed on a platform that attracts a diverse audience. 

Once again,thank you Deepak for taking the time to answer these questions. Desert Moon wishes you all the best in your future endeavours!!!

Shaheer Nasheeds- Taking the nasheed industry by storm

When it comes to Nasheeds in South Africa, Shaheer Nasheeds is definitely taking the industry by storm. Hearing the latest nasheed which was launched on Mother's day as a tribute to the artists mom, the song has touched the hearts of thousands of people across the globe. The man behind Shaheer Nasheeds is none other than Shaheer Karrim. Born in Durban, South Africa, not only is Shaheer a biokineticist and a soldier by profession, but he is also an aspiring singer and song writer. Read on to find out more in his own words.

Drink you would order at a coffee shop: hot chocolate 

Favourite cologne: cool waters

Favourite cuisine: I'm a pizza guy

1. Wow Shaheer, Your resume is truly impressive. Tell me a little more about your family background and life from childhood until present?

I had a very mixed childhood. On one hand, I grew up in a great complex with loads of friends, who are more like family to me now. I did great with sports through out school, had great times, won loads of trophies etc. and on the other hand I had to deal with my parents divorce, which occurred when I was around 10 years old. For me, this event was the beginning of a challenging emotional/spiritual journey  which taught me so much and made me the person I am today. I believe that these challenges Allah SWT gives us are there to strengthen and shape us for the purpose He SWT wants us to fulfill. 

2. Not many Indian boys desire to enter the army. What made you join the army and how was the experience over all.?

I qualified in 2007 with honors in biokinetics, but during my studying years I visited the military biokinetics department to help out and learn from them. It was very very different and exciting to meet actual soldiers and do exercise testing on them. In my final year, I was fortune to find out that a military biokineticist had transferred. I then applied early and got the post. Alhamdulilah. The experience has been amazing. It's a different world that we soldiers live in. The rules are different, and putting on the uniform is a real privilege and honor. The basic training that all officers have to do when you join was probably the highlight. Five and a half months in the small town of Heidelberg, living with other soldiers in a communal setting, away from normal life. We also did a bush phase where we lived in the bush for a while. I can still remember walking in the dark through grass that was almost my height, hearing animal sounds and being told 'okay, we going to sleep here tonight'. We all just looked at each other confused(it's our first time) and abit scared. But we made through and actually enjoyed it. I endured one of my hardest nights ever in my life when it stormed one of the nights. It rained so hard that our makeshift tent collapsed and we obviously got really wet. And to make matters worse it was a really cold night so we really struggled all night holding on to each other for warmth. Desperate times calls for...but it was actually fun when I look back.

3. Music is a very controversial topic within the Islamic world. Have you ever received criticism or a back lash from within your community for singing nasheeds with musical instruments?

I haven't had much criticism in terms of people confronting me directly, although I do get a few comments on social media once in a while. There was that article written recently on the Hartley fair and souk where I was named personally, but those things don't bother me. In fact, it probably gives me more conviction. I won't discuss why, all I will say is that Iv done research and read Istikhara before embarking on this path, so I'm fine with it in my heart. I think it's a general problem that we (including me) as human beings find it hard to accept that our own opinion is not absolute and that other opinions can be accommodated (Even if you disagree). Maybe it makes us feel insecure. However, I think there are some great Leaders emerging around the Muslim world that are teaching tolerance and acceptance of diversity, so that's promising. I think It's also a matter of environment. In other parts of the world,especially Muslim countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, Islamic music is common and a huge industry. So their artists get loads of support and attention. But I think people should listen if they feel it's okay and don't listen if it's their opinion that it's wrong.

4. Do you think that the decision made by the SABC, for all radio stations to play 90 percent local music is applaudable? Do you think it will be of advantage to upcoming artists like yourself?

It will definitely improve the chances of getting local talent out there. But the question being asked by most artists who are going the extra mile in terms of production, is that, will the quality of the songs be at the required level to be on radio? Will it improve or weaken the industry? I think we'll have to wait and see. I believe it will definitely encourage younger artists to begin their journeys. But there's a huge difference between just getting a song out there and making a world class hit. As an upcoming artist I can tell you it's not easy or cheap trying to get out international quality. So hopefully the decision doesn't make us artists complacent in terms of the overall quality, but inspires us to take the opportunity to reach new levels of excellence. 

5. Are South African artists on par with international singers? If yes, why do you think so and if No, how can these artists improve themselves in order to reach an international standard?

I don't know too much about the mainstream singers. But I do know that our local sound doesn't really match the international style of music production, so it's hard to compare in terms of quality. In terms of Nasheeds, we are getting there slowly. Iv been forced to use mainstream producers at times to get the right quality for certain tracks, because there's not many Muslim producers with those specific expertise. I'd say that we lack Muslim producers more than artists. I think working with mainstream producers is excellent idea because they have in-depth knowledge of music, academically and also in terms of experience. Reaching an international standard? That was really challenging for me. With my debut single Veils, I had redone the song about 7 times before getting something  that was worth showing the world. I was new to the industry so I made loads of mistakes. I'd say the lessons that others can take heed from are: 1) make sure you compare your end product with artists who already have an international standard and don't give up until you find a way to get the same quality. 2) be patient and look for a producer who is the ability and equipment to give you what you want 3) You get what you pay for, so sometimes it's better to pay abit more. 4)let people you trust evaluate your song and don't be resistant to criticism, Let non musicians listen to the song and take their advice seriously, because they are your main listeners. 6) Reach out to international stars, some will reply and help you out as they were once amateurs and know the struggle.

6.What has been your most memorable experience in your life thus far?

Hmmm, i was always a person searching for deeper meaning and understanding. So I'd say there's a phase of my life that is most memorable, in which I met many spiritual people and got most of my questions answered, went for Haj and gained a lot of peace. Alhamdulilah 

7. Have you performed abroad?

I have not. Once my full album is out, it will make more sense for me to go abroad and promote it. Right now I've released only two songs

8. If you could be granted one wish and have any skill or talent in the world, what would it be?

I would definitely wish for equality, peace and love in the world. So much of violence and poverty throughout the globe, I would want that to instantly disappear 

9. What are your favourite websites?

Desert moon obviously, lol. I'm on Facebook and Instagram mostly.

10. Define success. What does success mean to you?

Success to me is realizing and pursuing your passions, striving to be better and aligning everything you do to your ultimate goal, which is Taqwa and realization of Allah SWT within every moment of your life. I think with that philosophy the accolades and milestones will come on there own.

11. Did you wish to collaborate with other artists in the future? Have you already worked with other artists in the nasheed industry?

I'm currently collaborating with Indonesian artist Yoga Al Ghazali who's signed to the Ana Muslim record label. We are doing an English version of His already famous track HasbunAllah. It will be released in Indonesia and Malaysia this Ramadaan InshaAllah. I hope I get to collaborate with lots of artists. I enjoy the process and love to connect with other artists. I'm also planning other collaborations with comedians and hope to have some fun doing something different. Can't say too much now. Will have to wait and see InshaAllah 

12. Where do you see yourself five years from now? What are your plans for the future?

I see myself doing lots of things to be honest. I'm learning about myself everyday and I'm open to almost anything at the moment. But in terms of music, in 5 years I would like to think that I would have already done lots of traveling and live performances for huge crowds. I see myself producing for other artists, doing exciting collaborations with international entertainers and having lots of fun. I would also include some acting roles. I'd love to try myself out at acting, I think i have it in me. And most of all, I hope to connect with people and inspire them to live lives that are in alignment with things that make them happy and please God, Most High

13. Are there any other special experiences that have occurred within your life that you wish to share the blog readers?

18 months ago I had no idea that I would be singing professionally.I knew I could sing a bit, but didn't really believe in my ability. I thought,nah it takes much more than what I have to be a professional. But Somehow, I listened to that inner voice and I decided to try out this passion of mine. I made Dua, got help from people in the industry and gave it my all. Today my videos are watched and downloaded by people all over the world. I've got acknowledgement from established  international artists from different continents and I haven't released my first album as yet.

So my message to people is, if you love something but doubt your capabilities. Take the first step and believe in yourself. Listen to that voice that's pushing to try it out. You never know what can happen, maybe it will be a life changing decision,like in my case

Thank you Shaheer Karrim for taking the time to answer these questions.

Desert Moon wishes you all the best in your future endeavours and beyond.