er voice carries a natural warmth and control, quickly setting her apart among viewers and judges alike. Coming from a musical household, Tarab was exposed to music from an early age and that foundation, combined with discipline, has helped her reach the national stage. Still a student, she balances academics with music, treating both with equal focus.

For Tarab, Pakistan Idol is not only a competition but also a formative experience, expanding her confidence and shaping her artistic direction. She describes the journey as transformative, marked by friendships, perfor-mances and constant feedback from mentors and judges.

Her mother, Iram Nafees, who is closely associated with music, has played a central role in her training. Much of Tarab’s early learning came through her guidance, helping refine both her voice and her understanding of music. In this interview, she reflects on her journey, her influences and her ambitions.

Instep: What can you tell us about yourself?

Tarab Nafees (TN): I’ve completed my A-Levels and plan to join university soon. I studied business studies and economics and will continue in the same field. My academic performance improved during Covid-19, when I focused more on my studies and I have continued to build on that since then. Alongside my studies, I’ve taken part in singing competitions and extracurricular activities. I’ve also appeared in a few tele-vision programmes. With my family’s prayers, I’ve been fortunate to achieve some success so far.

Instep: Have you been singing since childhood?

TN: Yes, I’ve loved singing since childhood. My family has a musical background, so I grew up listening to music and learning from it.

Instep: Did music affect your studies?

TN: Not really. Before Covid-19, I balanced both well. During online classes, I focused more on my studies, so music took a back seat. Now I’m trying to give equal attention to both again.

Instep: What role did your parents play in your musical journey?

TN: My mother, Iram Nafees, has been my biggest teacher. She is associated with music and teaches Urdu. She has guided me from the start and often made us practise by memorising songs. My father is busy but has always supported us when needed.

Instep: Any special remedy to take care of your voice?

TN: I avoid cold and sour foods. I don’t follow any special diet, just a cup of tea before performing, which helps my voice.

Instep: How many siblings do you have?

TN: We are four sisters: Simul, Sajar, me (Tarab) and our youngest sister, Saman.

Instep: Why did you decide to join Pakistan Idol?

TN: It wasn’t my idea at first. My elder sister found out about the auditions and encouraged me. My mother also insisted, so I went for it.

Instep: How has your experience been so far?

TN: It has been amazing. I’ve made great memories, met new people and gained a lot of confidence. We’re all still in touch.

Instep: What are your exp-ectations?

TN: I’m trying my best to reach the finals.

Instep: Do you hope to win?

TN: Of course, but I don’t think too much about winning. I’ve left that to God.

Instep: Who guides your practice?

TN: Shuja Haider oversees the music and Tanveer Afridi selects songs. We mostly practise ourselves and support each other.

Instep: Do people recog-nise you now?

TN: Yes, especially in Lahore and Islamabad. It feels nice, though it is still a bit unusual for me.

Instep: What about your classmates?

TN: They’ve been very supportive. My teachers and classmates have congratulated me and prayed for my success.

Instep: How did the song ‘Meri Mitti Meri Jaan’ happen?

TN: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) contacted my father first. Initially I thought it might be a scam, but after confirmation, I agreed to parti-cipate. It was my first music video and an unforgettable experience.

Instep: What are your future plans? Will you pursue music or business?

TN: I want to pursue both, but if I had to choose, I’d pick music. It’s my passion.

Instep: Given just how important a social media presence has become, who manages your social media?

TN: My sister and I handle it ourselves.

Instep: If you win Pakistan Idol, what will you do?

TN: I haven’t thought about it yet, but I think the joy would be indescribable.

Instep: Which contestant’s voice do you like?

TN: Nabeel bhai (Nabeel Abbas) has great versatility.

Instep: Which artists inspire you?

TN: I love Asim Azhar and among classical artists, Madam Noor Jehan.

Instep: Is it easier to copy songs or create your own?

TN: Copying is easier because everything is already composed. You just add your own variation.

Instep: Do you write or compose songs?

TN: Not yet.

Instep: Did you ever feel discouraged?

TN: Yes, after one performance I felt I might not move forward, but I did. Elimi-nations are always emotional.

Instep: What do you make of the judges?

TN: All of them are very kind. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is especially supportive and gives very helpful feedback.

On the possibility of winning Pakistan Idol

Instep: If Tarab wins Pakistan Idol, what will happen?

Nafees Khan (father of Tarab): Years ago, on March 23, she won a competition and received Rs100,000. When she came home, she hugged the walls, saying she would buy a new house, then hugged the fridge, saying she would buy a bigger one. We all laughed at her innocence. Even now, the memory still makes us very happy.