The man of the moment Abdu Rozik spoke exclusively to BizAsiaLive.com about his career and love for acting.
From rags-to-riches Abdu Rozik has come a long way.
The slightly over 3 feet tall social media influencer from Tajikistan who now lives in Dubai is claimed to be the world’s smallest singer. The 19-year-old is a reality TV star, actor and a businessman as well.
This achiever has bravely fought physical and social struggles associated with his dwarfism resulting from childhood rickets and has won the hearts of millions of people worldwide. The adorable small person is an inspiration to everyone as he has converted what some may wrongly feel is a weakness (short stature) into his biggest strength and of course he has done it in style.
‘Chota bhaijaan’ as he is fondly referred to has overcome obstacles like poverty, hate (arising from body shaming), cultural and language barriers to emerge as an international phenomenon in a short span of time.
BizAsiaLive.com’s Afrah Khan spoke to Rozik who is in Mumbai, India currently. Here are some snippets from his interview.
You have released a new song. Tell us about it.My new song is called ‘Baarish’ (rain). It is rainy season in India now and I love the weather. I want everyone to enjoy the rains and make videos with my song. I hope it becomes viral.
You were seen on ‘Bigg Boss OTT2’ recently. How was your experience being on the same platform as Salman Khan for the second time after participating in ‘Bigg Boss 16’ earlier this year?Salman bhai is ‘bada bhaijaan’ and I’m ‘chota bhaijaan’. He is nice and sweet. The Bigg Boss house looks different and has new people. I had a good experience on the show but to be honest it could get boring, so you need to keep doing something to keep yourself entertained. I’m sad about the fact that my best friend Jad Hadid who is a participant on the show is being bullied and fought with. He doesn’t understand Hindi. I wish him well.
You were in South Africa not long ago to appear as a guest on ‘Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’. Did you perform any stunts for the show?I did few stunts. It was my first time on the show and I loved being a part of it. I was told by many that I was not meant for the show as these people felt I am not strong and shouldn’t be allowed on the show, but I did it, however. I had a great time with my friend Shiv Thakare who was also a part of the show.
You have marked your fiction show debut with Zee TV’s ‘Pyar Ka Pehla Naam: Radha Mohan’ as a ‘chota villain’. How do you feel?I played a kidnapper not a villain (laughs). Call me ‘chota dhamaka’. It is clearly the best experience I’ve had on television playing a fictional character and I’m very excited about it. I love acting and would like to do more of it.
(BizAsia: We hope to see you on the big screen soon in a blockbuster with your idol Shah Rukh Khan to which Rozik says, “I love Shah Rukh Khan. Insha Allah, I wish to meet him and get to work with him.”)
Are you considering pursuing boxing as a career option too since you are passionate about the sport?At the moment, I’m concentrating on only singing and acting. I’m also busy with my shows.
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You have launched your restaurant named Burgiir in Mumbai. What do you have to say about entering the restaurant industry?I’m very happy to have opened my first-ever restaurant in India. I have entered the restaurant industry with this amazing business venture. Burgiir not only specialises in burgers but has many other delicacies on the menu. I want my fans to visit the restaurant and enjoy the food. I hope to come up with more branches of Burgiir in India and overseas in the days to come.
India is like second home to you. What’s your reaction towards the love and warmth you receive from your fans in the country?I love India for its people and food. It’s a good country. I keep travelling between India and Dubai. I have many friends here. My group of friends (Mandali from ‘Bigg Boss 16’) live here. It’s is always a pleasure to visit India and be able to work and stay in the country during my visits.
I want to give love to all my fans. Support from my fans means a lot to me and I always work hard to make them happy.
Are you participating in the upcoming season of ‘Big Brother UK’?I’m not allowed to give any statement to media regarding my possible participation in the upcoming season of ‘Big Brother UK’. What I can confirm is that I’m flying to the UK soon for work and I have a surprise for my fans.(BizAsia has found out that Rozik has liked and commented on a recent Instagram post by ‘Big Brother UK’ giving rise to a strong speculation about him participating in the show)
What are the projects that you are working on currently? What kind of work will we get to see from you in the future?I’m working on an English song and an Arabic song presently. I also have TV shows coming up. Apart from this there are other projects which I’m doing. My fans will witness a lot of my work in the near future.
What is your message for your fans in the UK and other parts of the world?I want to give love to all my fans. Support from my fans means a lot to me and I always work hard to make them happy.
He winds up.
From singing in the bazaars of Ghizhdarva in Tajikistan in order to feed his family to selling out concerts and leading a lavish lifestyle courtesy of having a luxurious home, owning fancy cars, globe-trotting with five-star hotel stays in different countries, Abdu Rozik is living the dream.
His life has undoubtedly been full of courage and resilience as he aspires to reach for the sky based on his sheer talent.
BizAsiaLive.com wishes Abdu Rozik, the spirited high-flyer more laurels during his life’s journey.
