AFTER A DECADE of serving as one of Bollywood's leading playback singers, Armaan Malik is ready to cement a new identity: "Armaan Malik, Pop Star of India".
The 28-year-old musician has spent the past three years cracking the code to this musical rebirth. Providence was on his side; he calls the years 2020 and 2021 "catalysts" to a cultural revolution within the Indian music space. Film music was no longer a mainstay and independent artists finally had a platform to showcase their distinct sound.
Malik believes he was one of the artists spearheading this change. In 2020, he tied up with Arista Records and released his first English single "Control", which ended up winning an MTV Europe Music Award (for best India act). In November 2022, he bagged another one for "You". Somewhere in between came the highly unexpected collaboration with singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, and then one more international collaboration with K-pop singer Eric Nam and American producer DJ KSHMR. The manifestation to go global had borne fruit and then, as he puts it, "the game changed entirely". This year, he wants to learn Spanish and tap into another highly lucrative global music market. For reference, in 2022, Latin music revenue exceeded $1 billion.
The singer's new album, Only Just Begun, is symbolic in more ways than one. First, because it's in sync with the start of a new personal chapter: He recently got engaged to his long-time partner, model and influencer Aashna Shroff. And second, the new album will comprise a fresh, experimental indie-pop sound that he thinks will become synonymous with Indian pop at large.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE FUTURE SOUNDS LIKE AT EEZ
The Coachella-slaying, multi-language-singing, genre-obliterating members of Ateez are quickly becoming load-bearing stars of our global pop universe.
DEMNA UNMASKED
He's the most influential designer of the past decade. He's also the most controversial. Now the creative director of Balenciaga is exploring a surprising source of inspiration: happiness. GQ's Samuel Hine witnesses the dawn of Demna's new era, in Paris, New York, and Shanghai. Photographs by Jason Nocito.
Inside the undercover adventures of a full-time fraud sleuth.
HOW TO MAKE A FORTUNE AS A PROFESSIONAL WHISTLE-BLOWER
A LIFE OF FASHION
In an extensive conversation, the menswear icon discusses his rise, his mistakes, his triumphs, his retirement, and what the future holds for him and his beloved brand.
IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE WITH GEORGE & BRAD
They've spent three decades living intertwined lives at the inconceivably glamorous height of Hollywood. Now, having crossed the threshold of 60, they're more comfortable than ever throwing bombs, dispensing hard-won wisdom, and, yes, arguing about who had the better mullet in the '80s.
ALEXANDER THE GRITTY
One of India's most creative chefs comes of age.
Penning History
Montblanc marks 100 years of its iconic Meisterstück with new writing instruments inspired by the 1924 Olympic Games.
Royal Enfield Forges a New Path
Say hello to the company's most cutting-edge roadster.
Arooj Aftab Owns the Night
The Grammy Award-winning artist, fresh off a Glastonbury set, speaks to GQ about her new album, Night Reign, from the ideas that led to its conception to its genre-defying collabs with Elvis Costello, Kaki King and more.
Louis Vuitton's New Beat
The luxury maison's latest addition to the Tambour line reiterates its commitment to watchmaking and craftsmanship.