She sang 'Sagavaasi' alongside Indian rapper Arivu, with the song garnering no less than 20 million views on YouTube.
"It was a different experience – Arivu communicates very powerful messages through his art, and I’m glad to sing the lyrics he has written. Like the song, everything coexists and that is need of the art." she said during an interview with HerStory.
The singer made her debut at the age of 14 under her father's music supervision. “I had my cycle test the next day and refused to go at first. My mum told me: you better go and sing. I skipped the test and went and sang. It all happened quickly. I even sang the song in three different languages."
The 26-year-old has collaborated with Irish rock band 'U2' for 'Ahimsa' and with musician Rickey Kej for 'Ilteja'. She rose to fame with the single, 'Farishton'.
Khatija isn't just a musician, but a philanthropist, too. She remembers that her grandmother would "never let anyone leave without drinking at least a glass of water. Everyone in my family is like that, including my father and mother. These small acts of kindness inspired me," she told the publication.
She is associated with the day-to-day operation of the AR Rahman Foundation. When at the school, she volunteered with different organisation, which, she says, are a source of strength for her.
“Our senior students visit the school and teach music to the students. We have hired them as a student faculty, and in a way are supporting them to earn an income and learn leadership skills. Music can help them in their mental well-being and be focused,” she adds as she dilates on the experience.