Twenty-five-year-old singer Faiz Mustafa, known for his work in films like Heropanti 2 and Maidaan, has recently lent his voice to the soulful track “Zara Zara” from the upcoming silent film Gandhi Talks. Composed by A.R. Rahman, the song forms an integral part of the film, and Faiz recently performed it at the musical event alongside the maestro and singer Hinanaaz Bali, receiving warm applause from the audience.
Born into a family deeply rooted in Hindustani classical music, Faiz belongs to the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana. His grandfather, Padma Vibhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, trained several prominent musicians, including Rahman himself, Sonu Nigam, Hariharan, and Shaan. Faiz recalls that his musical journey was shaped early by this rich legacy.
“When I first heard the composition for Zara Zara, I was grateful to the Almighty that Rahman uncle chose me for such a beautiful song,” Faiz says. After completing the recording, Rahman fondly asked, “Are you the same little boy who sang ‘Aao Balma’?” That track marked Faiz’s first collaboration with the maestro at the age of 13, performing his grandfather’s composition alongside Rahman, his family, and on MTV Coke Studio Season 3.
Since then, Faiz has sung “Istigfar”, an Arabic track from the internationally acclaimed film The Goat Life (Aadujeevitham), and has become a familiar presence at Rahman’s concerts, both in India and abroad. He remembers his first stage performance at 14, opening the international show ‘Wings of Jibrael’ at the Dubai World Trade Centre, sharing the spotlight with Rahman. Today, he continues to perform regularly with the composer and is also part of Jhaala, Rahman’s curated classical ensemble.
Beyond music, Faiz cherishes his personal bond with Rahman. “I share a very strong relationship with my dearest Rahman uncle. He is like a father figure, an inspiration, and a guiding path,” he says. Despite Faiz’s growth into a professional musician, Rahman still treats him with the same warmth and affection he showed as a child, nurturing both his talent and confidence.
With his classical training, diverse performances, and the mentorship of A.R. Rahman, Faiz Mustafa is steadily carving a name for himself in Indian music. His journey reflects not only prodigious talent but also the guidance and trust of a maestro who has watched him grow from a child performer into a celebrated artist.
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