Renowned Pakistani vocalist Humaira Channa recently shed light on the personal and societal obstacles she faced at the start of her music career, revealing that her choice to pursue singing professionally caused a rift within her own family.

During a heartfelt appearance on the comedy talk show Mazaaq Raat on Dunya TV, Humaira shared intimate stories from her journey in the entertainment world, including the social stigma she confronted as a young woman stepping into showbiz.

Though raised in a creatively rich environment—her father was a film producer active in Sindhi, Punjabi, and Urdu cinema, and her mother was also artistically inclined—Humaira said not everyone supported her passion for music. In fact, some extended family members, particularly an uncle, severed ties with her father, accusing him of exploiting his daughter by allowing her to sing publicly.

“I faced judgment not from strangers, but from my own blood,” she revealed. “Some couldn’t understand that music was a part of who I was.”

Humaira began her professional journey through Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television (PTV) at a young age. Her breakthrough came when legendary composer Nisar Bazmi entrusted her with the soundtrack for the film Hum Ek Hain. But the opportunity wasn’t without complications—reports suggest the film’s leading actress, who was also a singer, objected to Humaira singing the tracks and demanded to record them herself. Bazmi, however, stood by his choice.

Tensions on set extended to the male lead as well, turning the film into a behind-the-scenes battleground. Despite the chaos, Humaira’s performance won critical acclaim and launched her into the national spotlight, earning her multiple awards and solidifying her position in the music industry.

Over the years, her talent opened doors to iconic collaborations, including a performance with the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan—a career milestone she still cherishes.

On her personal life, Humaira emphasized that her focus was always on her craft. “I never experienced romantic love before marriage,” she said. “After marriage, I saw my husband as my majazi khuda. Love, to me, should begin after marriage—one-sided love is just draining.”

In a twist of poetic justice, the very relatives who once distanced themselves eventually sought to reconnect and share in her success, taking pride in her fame and achievements.

Humaira Channa’s journey from rejection to reverence is a testament to her perseverance and unshakable belief in her art. Her story continues to inspire young artists navigating cultural resistance while chasing their dreams.