Liza Khan’s Journey from Poverty to Viral Fame:
In this honest interview on The Rishika Show, rising Punjabi singer Liza Khan talks about her journey from extreme poverty to becoming an internet sensation. She explains the superstitious reason behind changing her name to “Liza Maan,” speaks openly about exploitation in the music industry, and highlights the importance of education, having a second source of income, and becoming self-reliant, especially for young female artists.
The Unfiltered Melody of Liza Khan:
When Liza Khan entered the brand-new studio of The Rishika Show for its first podcast episode, she brought more than just her beautiful voice. She brought a story of struggle, survival, and honesty. Known to her growing audience as Liza Maan, the singer first explained why she changed her name. At her uncle’s suggestion, she changed “Khan” to “Maan” because of an astrological belief. Surprisingly, the change was followed by a sudden rise in her popularity. But behind this online success is a story of years of struggle and hard work.
Music has always been a part of Liza’s life. Her father, Seera Khan, was a well-known stage performer who used to sing traditional kaliyan by Kuldeep Manak. But despite having a musical background, Liza did not grow up with comfort or privilege. She remembers a childhood filled with such extreme poverty that her family could not even afford a bowl of sugar for their morning tea. Because of her father’s poor health and difficult family circumstances, she had to leave her formal education after the 10th grade. In 2022, she officially turned to music as a way to survive. As she honestly says, “It was either this, or nothing.” She had no other skills to depend on.
Her significant opportunity arrived unexpectedly via an Instagram reel. Her heartfelt rendition of Naseebo Lal’s “Aiven Ruseya Na Kar” resonated with individuals globally. She also got messages of gratitude from iconic musicians in Pakistan. Liza quickly understood that being popular online doesn’t necessarily guarantee backing from the music industry. She candidly discusses the hypocrisy within the Punjabi music industry, where certain prominent promoters attempt to exploit emerging artists by requesting free performances or payments that are extremely low.
“Individuals focus on your follower number, rather than your sound quality,” Liza states. She expressed her frustration over the lack of responses from stars such as Karan Aujla, highlighting how grassroots artists are frequently overlooked by the industry. On a more serious note, she discusses the bleak aspects of the entertainment
industry, where young and susceptible female artists may encounter exploitation and unsuitable circumstances while seeking opportunities. She firmly thinks that established artists and producers ought to assist emerging talent rather than exploiting their challenging circumstances.
Even after facing industry politics, broken personal relationships, and the challenges of working without a professional management team, Liza continues to stay positive and strong. During the interview, she also showed her natural talent by singing live. She smoothly moved from Hans Raj Hans’s “Tere Shehar Nu Sajda” to the iconic “Dulhe Ka Sehra.”
Today, Liza has a strong message for young girls who want to enter the entertainment industry: focus on education and always have a second source of income. She admits that her own struggles with English sometimes make her feel uncomfortable in professional situations. For her, education is the strongest protection a woman can have.
Liza Khan isn’t singing solely for recognition. She sings for dignity and for the freedom to live and work according to her own choices. As she keeps developing, entirely through her own endeavours, she demonstrates that true talent cannot be muted.
References/ Sources:
- Primary Source: Rishika Show — Interview with Liza Khan.
- YouTube: Rishika Show — Liza Khan interview/video.
- Author/ Writer: AARCHI VERMA