Huma Khawaja returns after decades-long hiatus

Pakistani singer Huma Khawaja, best known for her widely acclaimed cover of Dil Dil Ki Lagi, has made a significant return to the country's music industry after spending nearly 27 years abroad. Khawaja prominence with her rendition of Dil Dil Ki Lagi, a song originally performed by pop icon Nazia Hassan. The cover became a defining moment in her career, earning her widespread recognition and establishing her as a notable voice in Pakistan's pop landscape. The track's popularity propelled her to fame, but soon after, she gradually disappeared from the public eye. In a recent conversation with Express Tribune , Khawaja explained that her absence was due to her long-standing career in aviation. She had been based in Dubai, working as a cabin crew member with Emirates Airlines. "Emirates was my profession and music was my passion," she said, describing how she balanced both worlds. Despite being away, she remained connected to Pakistan through brief visits, frequently travelling between Karachi and Lahore for performances. "I would come for a day, perform, and leave," she noted, adding that her limited appearances made her presence "exclusive." Now settled back in Pakistan for the past three years, Khawaja has resumed music full-time. She has recently released original tracks including Malang, Yarian, and Mehrban, the latter launched on her birthday on 5 April. She has encouraged audiences to listen to her work on digital streaming platforms. Reflecting on her musical journey, Khawaja credited Nazia Hassan as her greatest inspiration. She recalled growing up listening to hits like Disco Deewane, which shaped her artistic direction. In the early 1990s, Khawaja formed one of Pakistan's early female bands. The group released an album titled Symphony Volume 1, with songwriting by Samra Asif mir and Adila. However, it was her tribute to Nazia Hassan that proved to be a turning point. Encouraged by Zohaib Hassan, Nazia Hassan's brother - Khawaja worked on multiple songs as a homage to the late singer. Zohaib reportedly told her she was among the few artists who could do justice to Nazia's voice, prompting her to record a series of tracks. One of these projects featured guitar work by the late Aamir Zaki, adding further depth and recognition to her tribute.