"From Sindh to Stardom"

"A young Sindhi singer's journey from humble beginnings to global fame, exploring themes of identity, family, and perseverance."

“From Sindh to the Stardom”

Written by: ASlam Abbas

Present Time:

There is a live show going on at The Royal Albert Hall in London. Surya, a singer from

Sindh, Pakistan, is performing in front of a crowd of 5,272. He has already sung many

songs, and with each one, he has received thunderous applause from the audience.

After finishing the concert, he bows before the crowd with folded hands, his eyes filled with tears from the overwhelming response. The entire audience gives him a standing ovation. This 25-year-old singer, slender, tall, and fair-skinned, is dressed in a royal navy-blue two-piece suit and wears a rose-gold Rolex GMT-Master II watch.

Surya started his career seven years ago, and in that time, he has earned immense

wealth, respect, and love across the globe. His success has reached incredible heights.As soon as he steps out of the auditorium, the press surrounds him, eager to ask how it feels to be the first Asian singer to perform at The Royal Albert Hall. Surya is unaware of this achievement but handles the situation gracefully. He replies, “I didn’t even know about this. If it’s true, then it’s truly a matter of pride for my nation and my community. I loved every second of this magical moment that happened just a couple of hours ago. I feel thrilled to perform in front of such a lively audience�"they were truly enjoying my music. I… I’m just short of words.” Surya blushes and rushes toward a luxurious limousine provided by the organisers. He leaves for Heathrow Airport to catch a flight back home.

During the flight, in his first-class seat, Surya looks at a picture of his father, his role

model. Tears well up in his eyes as he misses his father deeply. He wishes his father

were alive to see his incredible success, knowing how proud he would have been.

25 Years Ago…

After 12 years of marriage, on February 12, 2000, Mr. Dev Kumar and Mrs. Anila,

residents of Taluka Mehar, District Dadu, welcomed their first and only child, a baby boy. They named him Surya Kumar, as “Surya” means “sun,” and indeed, he came as a ray of sunshine into the lives of his childless parents.

Mr. Dev Kumar was short-tempered, while his wife was calm and composed�"traits

Surya inherited from his mother. Dev was a farmer who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He admitted Surya to a nearby government school, where the boy was an average student. After school, Surya would often accompany his father to work, but Dev never wanted his son to live a life of hardship like his own. Surya somehow managed to pass his 8th-grade exams.

Surya was famous in his school for his velvety, soothing, and melodious voice. He often sang songs from old movies and was a big fan of Ustad Muhammad Yousuf, whose songs he loved to perform. Villagers would often come to Dev to praise his son’s voice, which filled Dev with pride, though he rarely expressed it to Surya.

After 8th grade, Surya had to change schools, which was farther from his village. His

father bought him a bicycle to make the commute easier. At his new school, Surya met Adnan, a bright and studious boy. The two became close friends, and Adnan’s influence sparked Surya’s interest in studies. Surya began borrowing books from Adnan, reading novels, short stories, and poetry.

Surya’s singing talent also made him popular in his new school. Teachers often

requested him to sing, and his biggest fan, aside from his parents, was Adnan, who

shared Surya’s love for music. One evening, Dev returned home in a good mood and

called Surya to sit with him. “I’ve heard a lot of praise for your singing from people, and it makes me very happy,” Dev said. “But before anything else, you must focus on your studies. Once you’re done with your education, you can pursue your singing career. I know you’ll become a great singer one day. Remember, no matter how successful you become, never let arrogance or pride take over. Always stay humble and kind.”

After Surya’s Father’s Passing, A Difficult Period Followed:

Surya’s father, Mr. Dev Kumar, had been battling tuberculosis for years, but it wasn’t

until the disease had reached an advanced stage that it took him away. On the day his father passed, Surya stood by the pyre, lighting the flames with trembling hands, his heart heavy with the weight of grief. The fire flickered as his father’s spirit left this world, and with it, the steady foundation that had held Surya’s world together.

In the months that followed, the financial situation at home worsened. Dev Kumar’s

income as a farmer had been the primary support for the family, and with his death,

everything seemed to unravel. Surya’s dream of continuing his education faded as the

need to support his mother became more pressing. He had no choice but to drop out of school and start working at a small shop in the village, making just enough to get by.

The once vibrant, hopeful boy who had dreamed of music now found himself trapped in the daily struggle to survive. He often found himself walking to work with his head

bowed, his dreams of stardom feeling more distant with every passing day.

Adnan, who had been Surya’s closest friend, couldn’t stand seeing his friend suffer. He knew Surya was capable of much more than working in a small shop. "Surya," he said one day, his voice filled with concern, "You deserve more than this. You shouldn’t be tied down by this life. You have a gift�"the world needs to hear your voice."

One day, while Surya was singing for friends, Adnan secretly recorded a video of him on his phone. Surya was camera-shy and uncomfortable being filmed, so Adnan kept the video to himself for a while before posting it on Facebook. The video went viral, catching the attention of a music composer in Lahore. The composer was impressed by Surya’s voice and contacted Adnan, inviting Surya to Lahore for a collaboration.

Adnan shared the news with Surya, who was overjoyed but conflicted. He knew this

was the opportunity of a lifetime, but leaving his mother alone in the village filled him with guilt. After much persuasion, Surya’s mother finally agreed, her eyes filled with both pride and worry. “Go, my son,” she said, holding his face in her hands. “Your father would have wanted this for you. Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself.”

The journey to Lahore was both exciting and nerve-wracking. It was Surya’s first time

leaving his village, and the bustling city overwhelmed him. The noise, the crowds, the towering buildings�"it was a world away from the quiet fields of Sindh. Adnan, ever the optimist, kept reassuring him. “You’ll do great, Surya. Just be yourself.”

When they met the music composer, Surya was nervous. The composer, a tall man with a warm smile, asked Surya to sing a few lines. Surya’s voice trembled at first, but as he closed his eyes and sang a familiar folk song from his village, the room fell silent. The composer’s eyes lit up. “You have a gift,” he said. “But talent alone isn’t enough. Are you ready to work hard?” Surya nodded, determination replacing his fear.

The next few weeks were gruelling. Surya had to adapt to a new routine�"early morning vocal exercises, long hours in the recording studio, and learning to sing in different styles. There were moments when he felt out of place, moments when he missed his mother and the simplicity of his village life. But Adnan was always there, cheering him on. “Remember why you’re here,” Adnan would say. “Your father believed in you. So do I.”

Finally, the day of the recording arrived. Surya stood in front of the microphone, his

heart pounding. As the music began, he closed his eyes and let the melody guide him.

The song was about longing and hope�"a perfect reflection of his own journey. When

the final note faded, the studio erupted in applause. The composer clapped Surya on

the back. “You’ve done it, kid. This song is going to change your life.”

The song became an instant hit, catapulting Surya to fame. Overnight, he became a

household name, and his life transformed. He received countless offers from films,

dramas, and music directors across Pakistan and India. Despite his success, Surya

never forgot his roots. He remained humble, kind, and grateful to Adnan for his

unwavering support.

Adnan’s Decision to Stay in Sindh:

After returning from Lahore, Adnan sat with Surya under the banyan tree where they

used to sing as kids. “I’m proud of you, Surya,” Adnan said. “But I think my path is here. I want to help our village�"build schools, provide clean water, and create opportunities

for young people.” Surya smiled. “You’ve always been the dreamer, Adnan. I’ll support you in any way I can.”

With his own determination, Adnan started a nonprofit organisation focused on

community development. He built schools, installed water filtration systems, and created vocational training programs for young people. Years later, Adnan’s organisation had transformed the village. Schools were built, and young artists and entrepreneurs were given platforms to thrive. Surya often visited, performing at fundraisers and inspiring the next generation. The two friends, though on different paths, remained united in their mission to give back to their community.

The Ending:

As the plane descends toward his hometown, Surya gazes out the window, the city

lights twinkling like stars. He thinks about his journey�"from a small village in Sindh to the grand stage of The Royal Albert Hall. His heart swells with gratitude for his father’s guidance, his mother’s sacrifices, and Adnan’s friendship.

When he lands, Adnan is there to greet him, just as he was all those years ago. The two embrace, and Surya whispers, “Thank you for always believing in me.”

That night, Surya visits the small memorial shrine at home where his father’s ashes are kept. He lights a diya (oil lamp) and places a garland of flowers beside the urn. Kneeling before it, tears stream down his face. “Baba, I hope I’ve made you proud,” he says softly. “I’ve tried to live by your words�"to stay humble, to work hard, and to give back. I miss you every day.”

As he sits in silence, a gentle breeze brushes his face, and for a moment, he feels his

father’s presence. Surya smiles, knowing that his father’s legacy lives on through him.

The next day, Surya announces the launch of a new initiative: a music school in his

village, dedicated to nurturing young talent. At the inauguration, he says, “This is for my father, for my own people,, and for every dreamer who believes in the power of music.”

As the crowd applauds, Surya looks up at the sky, feeling the warmth of the sun on his face. He knows his journey is far from over, but with every step, he carries his father’s love and lessons in his heart.

Author's Note

Note for Reviewers:
Please focus on the character development and emotional depth of the story. Feel free to overlook any minor grammar issues or language inconsistencies.