Indian singer-songwriter and actor Aaliyah Qureishi, who prefers to be called Jhalli, made her Bollywood debut in 2023 with the Hindi-language action thriller Jawan. As part of Shah Rukh Khan’s girl gang in the film, she had the opportunity to spend considerable time with the actor and learn from him. In an exclusive interview with HT Lifestyle, Aaliyah opened up about her music journey, navigating the film industry, balancing acting and music, and her experience of working with Shah Rukh Khan.
Because i thought the frog was coming alive with me, i ended up writing a song about it called ‘Coming Alive’. Because all my childhood idols were actors and musicians — Whitney Houston, Miley Cyrus, a lot of them, even The Beatles, have been in popular movies, sharing how she navigated both worlds, she said, “I never really felt like I had to choose, to be honest,. Also read | Actor Vrushika Mehta on life after moving to Canada: How her lifestyle, fitness and beauty routines changed completely Before stepping into Bollywood, Jhalli had already established herself as a songwriter and musician . I used to sing as a kid before I could talk. And then, as a songwriter, I think it began around fifth standard when I saw a dead frog on the side of the basketball court. Jhalli began her journey as a singer- songwriter and musician before becoming more widely recognised as an actor. I always had a vision of doing more than both. I want to do as many creative things as I possibly can in this lifetime,” she added. Jhalli made her Bollywood debut alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the action thriller Jawan, a milestone that opened up new opportunities for her in the industry. I remember sitting and yapping with him next to the monitors, and he would answer all my questions about acting, handling the pressures of the industry, and even things like manifestation and memes. “Not everyone is your friend in the industry. I think I came in a little bit naive, and I had such a good experience on Jawan with my six girls that I very naively assumed everyone was a beautiful person who wanted the best for you, like these girls and I want for them. But then I met a lot of people who weren’t as open and didn’t necessarily want to be friends, but had different agendas. I think the lesson I learnt the hard way is to protect your energy a little bit. Come in a little closer, and when someone shows you that they have good intentions, you can open up a bit.”
Sharing how her musical journey began, she said, “I was a musician when I was in choir in school, and ever since then I realised I loved singing. Recalling her experience of working with the superstar, she said, “He was like a mentor. Jhalli said she learnt an important lesson about protecting her energy and being mindful of whom she trusts While navigating the film industry .
