CHENNAI: Javed Ali, who has worked with A R Rahman among other famous music composers, was in the city recently for a Qawali performance, organised by K M Music Conservatory. The singer has lent his voice in songs that star famous stars in the likes of Superstar Rajinikanth in the song Kilimanjaro from Enthiran, besides Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan from Bollywood.
Love for Chennai
I love the city, its people and the Tamil language. Whenever I come here, I make it a point to have South Indian food such as idli and dosa. Saravana Bhavan is a source for my appetite.
Happy to sing in Tamil
I have sung songs in Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Telugu and Tamil. I like singing in different languages. Among all, Tamil words are a little difficult to pronounce. But I feel happy when I sing in Tamil and when the songs come out well.
Personal Favourite
Jashn-e-Bahaara from Jodhaa Akbar is close to my heart. Other songs which I like include Ek din meri khwabon main from Naqab, Kilimanjaro from Enthiran and those from Ishaqzaade and Daawat-e-ishq.
Romantic touch
I am comfortable with genres such as sufi, ghazal, qawwali and Bollywood. I enjoy music in general and as a musician, I enjoy each and every genre of music. However, being a romantic person, I enjoy singing romantic tracks very much.
Being Verstaile
A singer has to be versatile. If you are not, then it is like you are stuck in one genre. There may be times when the genre goes out of date or the flavour is lost. Versatility should be such that the singer can sustain for a long time. By the grace of god, I can sing all types of songs.
Working with A R Rahman
I feel privileged to sing for him. He has given great songs in my career. I have learnt a lot of things from him. I have sung Khwaja mere Khwaja, Guzarish, Kun Faya Kun, Arziyan and others for him.
Dream Collaboration
I have already sung for Yuvan Shankar Raja. I would love to sing for the tunes of Ilaiyaraaja for sure.