Zayn Malik Reflects on One Direction Days: ‘I Regret Not Enjoying It More

In a candid interview on the Zach Sang Show, singer-songwriter Zayn Malik opened up about his time with the iconic English-Irish pop boy band One Direction, expressing regret for not fully appreciating the experience.

“The main thing that I always feel bad about when I look back over my life is not enjoying the band enough,” Malik revealed. “I feel like I just took things too seriously, you know? I’m grateful that I’m able to be happier now. I can enjoy things and own my perspective a bit, you know? Like, a glass half full versus it being half empty. That’s my choice.”

Malik’s departure from One Direction in 2015 came as a surprise to fans worldwide. Reflecting on his mindset at the time, he admitted to having a sense of “teen angst” and a chip on his shoulder, believing it was “cool to be moody.” However, he now recognizes the fallacy in that mentality, acknowledging, “You should be a nice person. You should be somebody that people want to be around and enjoy being in your presence, and you should bring light to people’s day instead of being this [negative].”

The singer credited part of his personal growth to becoming a father to his daughter Khai, whom he shares with his ex, Gigi Hadid. “She just makes me happier,” Malik shared. “I have so much love in me that I didn’t have before she was born. She laughs all day. She wants to do the silliest things, and she gains so much excitement from it, you know? She just has a wholly fresh perspective on life, [which] had somewhat become grey for me.”

Malik’s introspective remarks shed light on his journey from his One Direction days to his current state of happiness and fulfillment as both an artist and a father.