Zayn Malik delved into various aspects of his life and career during an enlightening conversation on The Zach Sang Show, where he shared candid reflections on his relationship with Gigi Hadid, his daughter Khai, and his experiences as a member of One Direction.
Opening up about his decision to step back from his solo career, Zayn admitted, “I just took my foot off the pedal a little bit… I just wasn’t interested in it at all.” The introspective artist acknowledged his struggles with transitioning into solo stardom, particularly due to his introverted nature.
Regarding his daughter Khai’s talents, Zayn playfully hinted at Gigi’s influence, revealing, “She can play a little bit… Her mom was actually really good at Guitar Hero on the drums.” He fondly recalled Gigi’s skill at the game, suggesting that Khai might have inherited her rhythm from her mother.
When discussing his breakup with Gigi and its impact on his music, Zayn shared, “The first song that I wrote on the record was ‘Alienated,’ and it was towards the end of my relationship… So there’s the heavy narrative of the kinds of things I was going through mentally in that situation and what I was thinking and how I was feeling.” He expressed the sadness he felt during the breakup, emphasizing his inability to be the partner he aspired to be.
Reflecting on his time with One Direction, Zayn revealed feelings of frustration. “I was in a five-part band where it was… constant opinions over opinions,” he recalled. He expressed regret for not enjoying the band experience more, acknowledging that he took things too seriously and struggled with teen angst.
Addressing the dynamic between the bandmates, Zayn acknowledged the lack of compassion and camaraderie at the time. “We resented each other to a certain degree because we were solo artists that were put in a band,” he confessed.
He then expressed his one major regret about his time with the band, sharing that he recognized the importance of compassion and mutual support. “The one thing I always feel bad about when I look back over my life is not enjoying the band enough. I feel like I just took things too seriously. I’m grateful that I’m able to be happier now. I can actually enjoy things and own my own perspective a bit. You know, like glass half full versus it being half empty. That’s my choice. I get to decide what that is.”
He expressed a newfound understanding and empathy for his former bandmates. “I didn’t understand the importance of just trying to be happy. I had this teen angst thing going on, a chip on my shoulder where I’m like, ‘It’s really cool to just be moody as f-ck all the time.’”
In a poignant moment, Zayn credited his daughter Khai for bringing joy and color back into his life. He admitted, “She brought that color back in my life,” highlighting the transformative power of fatherhood.
In essence, Zayn’s revelations offer a glimpse into his personal growth and evolution. From navigating solo success to grappling with past regrets and fostering compassion, his journey reflects a deeper understanding of himself and those around him.
