Zayn Malik opens up about fatherhood in a rare interview with the “Call Her Daddy” podcast.Photo:Steve Granitz/Getty
Steve Granitz/Getty
Zayn Malikhas a new perspective — and he has fatherhood to thank for it.
After several years out of the spotlight, theOne Directionalum, 30, sat down for a rare interview with Alex Cooper for theCall Her Daddypodcast and offered a little insight into his life as a dad.
In ateaser clipfor the episode, which releases on Wednesday, the British musician said he’s chosen to keep a low profile lately because he felt like he and his former bandmates were “so overexposed” after the group’s massive global success.
“That’s why I took the time that I have to, like, not even necessarily do interviews,” Malik explained.
However, his daughter,Khai, whom he shares with ex-girlfriendGigi Hadid, inspired him to open up again.
“Since I’ve had my daughter, the main thing in my mind is trying to be a good example to her,” he told Cooper. “That’s why I’m even doing this interview, you know? I used to get a lot of anxiety around having a conversation like this. And I want her to be able to look at me and be like, ‘My dad’s doing this.'”
He went on to reveal that his bad-boy edge has softened since Khai, 2½, came into his life. “I keep being told I’m telling dad jokes,” admitted the singer, who is set torelease his new single"Love Like This" on July 21. “And I’m leaning into it. I’m just like, ‘It’s OK. It’s cool.'”
Hadid and Malikwelcomed their daughtervia a home birth in September 2020.
Hadid also announced her little one’s birth on social media, sharinga black-and-white imagefeaturing Malik and Khai holding hands. “Our girl joined us earth-side this weekend and she’s already changed our world. So in love🥺💕,” the model wrote.
Gigi Hadid holds her daughter Khai, who she shares with ex Zayn Malik.Gigi Hadid/Instagram
Gigi Hadid/Instagram
Thoughthe pair later splitin October 2021 following analleged altercation with Hadid’s mother,Yolanda, they’ve since remained dedicated toraising Khai together.
“It’s been really easy for me and Gigi to kind of just ease into it, I guess,“Malik said of fatherhoodin a March 2021 interview on HeartRadio’sValentine in the Morning. “She kind of made it easy for us. She sleeps really well, she loves her milk.”
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In September, Hadid and Malik came together to celebrate Khai’s second birthday with aPeppa Pig-themed party. The model posted photos of the toddler’s colorful cake on her Instagram Story, tagging Malik, whom she later credited with organizing the event.
“Her baba threw her the best party,” she captioned another photo which showed Khai from behind in a pink tie-dye dress with sneakers on and her hair in a ponytail, reaching for something on the table her cake was on.
source: people.com
