About half a decade ago, Javed Ali was a name known to few. But, five years down the lane, he is a name and a voice that most households recognise with his songs being among the most popular ones. Singing ‘Jashn-E-Bahara’ from Jodhaa Akbar can easily be tagged as the turning point in his life. From then on, there has been no looking back for this Delhi-based singer. Born as Javed Hussain to a popular Qawwali singer Hamid Hussain, his music career started back in 2007. “Coming from a family, deeply rooted in music, this was something I have always wanted to pursue,” Javed says.
Javed Hussain to Javed Ali
When he was five, ghazal legend Ghulam Ali happened to hear him, after which Javed became his disciple. He also changed his name to Javed Ali. “My guru was the only person I used to listen to as a kid. He was music to me. I started singing only after I started listening to him. He has been my only inspiration. Guruji treats me like his son, and I treat him like my father,” he shares of his musical beginnings.
A few of his hit numbers include songs from Ishaqzaade (for which he won an award this year), Raavan, Jodhaa Akbar, Naqaab, Jab We Met, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani and the very recent Jab Tak Hain Jaan. Javed though, is not just a popular name in Bollywood, but also quite in demand down South. He has lent his voice in Telugu movies like Ganesh, Komaram Puli, Seema Tapakai, Bezawada, Wanted (Telugu) and Sarocharu, among others. He has also sung for Kannada, Tamil, Rajasthani, Assamese, Nepali, Oriya.
“I think by God’s grace, all the songs that I have received so far have been with great music directors and for a great cast. I have always got good opportunities and I feel very lucky as I never expected all this to happen in my life.”
The vocalist says that singing in different languages has also made him more versatile as a singer. “Every singer has his own style of performing and that is his advantage. So, I think one should bank on their style and grow from there. Language is never a barrier in music and I have a constant hunger to do good work. I haven’t even worked to half of my abilities yet!” he muses.
Tryst with Tollywood
Telling of his tryst with Telugu industry, the singer says, “In Tollywood, I have had a lot of projects, worked with a lot of good directors and for many nice songs. Last year also there were many hit songs and this year also there are many more coming up. I am very excited!” So who is his favourite music composer here? He replies, “I have had fun with every music director. Each of them have their signature style and the atmosphere in the South is very healthy. It’s more like having fun when you are working.”
Both sides of ‘reality’
Javed was also the judge in the last season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, a music reality show for aspiring singers, turning to hosting this season. “Judging is easy if you are a musician. But hosting is difficult, as you are the sutradhar of the show. It was a nice experience and I hope to learn more.”
Music across borders
With more and more Pakistani singers topping the list of singers, and with competition at a different level altogether, is there a wave of insecurity among the established Indian singers? Javed replies, “We have a lot of Pakistani singers who have shot to fame here. Indians are very humble. We accept everybody, give them name, fame and money for their talent. If they are good singers, they will definitely get work. Music connects people and I don’t believe in anything beyond this. People will get what they deserve.”
Plans of a new album
“I have been planning to do my own album for a while now. There has been a thought, but I want it be as a surprise for people,” shares the singer, not giving away much.
“I love Hyderabad”
“Hyderabad is a beautiful city. I love Charminar, the food, biryani and the Hyderabadi language. The place has a charm of its own,” says the artist.
Javed Ali will perform live on Feb 2 at 7:30pm at Jubilee Hills International Centre.