Hello Farhan! Congratulations on the album! KHAT marks your first-ever solo album after more than 20 years in music. Why now?
Thank you so much. For years, while I was making music constantly, I was also doing back-to-back dramas. When my acting career picked up, I didn’t want my focus to shift entirely toward acting. I always knew I owed my fans a complete musical project, something that reflected my journey. This finally felt like the right time to give them that.
You described KHAT as “a letter from your heart to your fans.” What personal emotions or memories were you accessing while creating this album?
I was writing from a place of gratitude and reflection. I revisited my early days, my struggles, my happiest moments, and the love I’ve received along the way. Every song holds a personal memory or emotion that shaped me.
The album features both Urdu and Punjabi tracks. How did using both languages shape the storytelling and lyrics across the ten songs?
I love singing in both languages. Urdu is the most beautiful way to express poetic emotions, while Punjabi brings a certain depth and earthiness. Most of the songs naturally came out in Urdu, but I kept Punjabi in the album as well because it carries a different kind of emotional strength that I didn’t want to leave out.
You mentioned that each of the four music videos will be directed by a different filmmaker. What inspired this approach, and what do you hope viewers take from the experience?
I wanted every video to feel like its own world. Different directors bring different energies and perspectives, and I felt these songs needed unique visual identities. I hope viewers feel like they’re stepping into a new chapter with every video.
Your personal creative journey spans so many eras of South Asian music culture. How has this evolution shaped your sound on KHAT? Are there any specific moments that stand out to you from the process of making it?
I’ve been making music for more than two decades, and over the years I’ve traveled, performed, and toured across different South Asian countries. Experiencing so many styles, cultures, and audiences taught me a lot. All those years of learning naturally shaped the sound of KHAT, it carries influences from everywhere I’ve been and everything I’ve absorbed as an artist. The entire process felt like a reflection of that journey.
KHAT promises a “fresh, global sound” while staying true to your signature sincerity. How did you create that balance?
For me, the emotion always comes first. From “Pi Jaun” to “Andro Kha Jana”, I’ve tried to stay honest with my feelings and sincerity and that’s what my fans have always connected with. On KHAT, I kept that core intact while experimenting with a wider, more global production style. The heart remained the same, the sound just evolved.
You’ve had success in both music and acting. How did your acting experiences influence your songwriting or the stories you wanted to tell on this album?
Honestly, playing different characters over the years has taught me a lot about people and emotions. Every role shows you a new side of life, and that’s helped me bring more honesty, depth, and feeling into my songs. It’s like I take a little piece of each character into my music.
Fans will hear one track released each month after the title track drops on the 14th of November. Can you tease your personal favorite tracks from the album, and why did you choose to release the tracks in this way?
There are a couple of tracks that mean a lot to me, especially ones that capture nostalgia and personal rediscovery. I chose this monthly format because I want every song to be heard and felt on its own. And honestly, this is how music is released globally now, so I wanted to follow that trend and let each track have its own moment.
You’ve said the album is inspired by fans’ “constant love and loyalty.” What are some of your most memorable fan encounters?
There are so many, I can’t pick one. Fans who’ve traveled long distances for shows, handwritten letters, and messages about how my songs helped them through difficult times. Those gestures stay with me forever.
What do you hope listeners feel or understand about you after experiencing the full album, from the first track to the last? Are there any special lyrics or moments that you’d like them to look forward to?
I hope they see the person behind the music more clearly. And I hope they can connect with every song in whatever phase of life they’re in, whether they’re happy, sad, growing, or going through something difficult. The album has moments of vulnerability and honesty, and I want listeners to find pieces of their own stories in it.
You’ve crossed borders via your creative work. What does it mean to you to be a representative of Pakistani culture around the world?
It’s a huge honor. I love representing Pakistani culture globally. Seeing the love and appreciation for our music and stories from audiences around the world is incredibly fulfilling, and it makes me proud to share our heritage with everyone.
Success in your industry doesn’t come without the help of people that have looked out for you and believed in you. Who are the people in your life that you feel have uplifted you and supported you on your journey, from your very first project, all the way to KHAT?
My wife, my family, close friends, my team over the years, fellow musicians, and of course, my fans. Their belief carried me through moments when I doubted myself.
What advice would you give to young Pakistani children looking to follow in your footsteps?
Believe in yourself, stay consistent, and embrace failures as lessons. And most importantly, stay true to who you are.
After so many years in the industry, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and why did it impact you?
“Never stop being a student.” It reminded me that learning never ends. Growth only happens when you stay open to new ideas and new experiences.
Of course, you’re staying busy with your upcoming film Luv Di Saun as well, can you tease us with what we can look forward to seeing from you as an actor and performer in that project?
It’s exciting that alongside the album, I also have my upcoming film. It’s a great balance between my music and acting careers, and I’m enjoying being able to explore both creatively. Fans can look forward to seeing me bring energy and dedication to this project, just like I do with my music.
Lastly, so many people are set to be enjoying KHAT very soon, but what are you enjoying in your own life right now that you would like to recommend to your fans and listeners?
Lately, I’ve been enjoying slowing down a bit, taking out time to breathe, to be present, and to enjoy simple things. With the album coming out, life feels beautifully balanced. And on a personal level, I’m really enjoying fatherhood. My daughter has brought a kind of happiness and softness into my life that I truly cherish.
What I’d recommend to listeners is to make space for moments like these: to pause, spend time with loved ones, and appreciate the small joys around them. It brings a lot of peace and clarity.
KHAT is out now. Farhan Saeed can be found on Instagram here and on major streaming platforms.