Dressed in a pink shirt and denims, Javed Ali, the mellifluous voice behind hit songs Tum Tak from Raanjhana, Kun Faya Kun from Rockstar, Arziyan from Delhi 6, Guzarish from Ghajini and many others, looked every bit a film star. From being a dreamer to receiving an IIFA for Jashn-e-Bahaara from Jodha Akbar to becoming a household name through Sa re ga ma Li’l Champs, he has to his credit a list of chartbusters in Bollywood movies. Javed was in Bhubaneswar to perform at a concert when Niharika caught up with him to know more about the singer and his dreams
Shows in Bhubaneswar
I love the audience of Bhubaneswar. I’ve been told that people are waiting impatiently for my show, that feels great. I love this City. Main Bhubaneswar kai baar aya hoon aur mujhe yahan ki audience se bahut pyaar mila hai. I look forward to my shows here.
The Ali in Javed
I was a big fan of Ghulam Ali during my growing-up years. I listened to him whenever I could. The first time I met him was at my dad’s friend’s place. Main unko apna guru manta hoon. I always wanted to become a ghazal singer because I was such a big fan of Ghulam Saab. Maine apne naam Javed Hussain ko Javed Ali isliye rakha kyuki main unke jaisa banna chahta tha. Aap jab kisiko utna like karte ho toh aap unki tarah banna chahte ho. Aur meri zindagi par is naam ki dua rahi hai. When I came to Mumbai, I realised that I should give a shot at playback singing. I consider Kajrare from Bunty and Bubly as my turning point.
Different languages
I just sit with the makers and the directors and try to understand the context of the song. I don’t understand the language. As to the pronunciation, I train with the language supervisors. It was a challenge for me to adapt myself to different singing styles, but I enjoy taking up challenges. It was difficult initially and I took help from language supervisors. But then if one of your songs is appreciated, your other songs get appreciated too. Goodly Rath for whom I have sung the song in Balunga Toka is an amazing composer. His work is at par with Bollywood composers.
Healthy competition
There are so many singers in the industry today. There’s a healthy competition taking place. I like listening to their songs. I’ll take up something that’s really interesting. Something out of the box that will make people wonder, ‘Can Javed do this?’ As of now, I am just focusing on something I love doing , singing.
A family person
I’m married and in fact, I think all the fame came my way after I got married to Yasmin. She has been a great support. Very few people know about it as I prefer to keep my personal life away from my professional life.
Favourite style
I love singing romantic songs and a Sufi mix. I’ve tried my hand at various styles in songs like Nagaada Nagaada, Taiyyab Ali, but I enjoy them. Main gaane ko poore dil se gaata hoon and I try to give 100 per cent. I think there is always a time for each one of us, and the right time will come, when you will definitely succeed.
Favourite Directors
I love working with everyone as each has a unique style and technique which educates me as a singer. I have worked with many music directors like AR Rahman, Pritam, Shankar Ehsan Loy and others. I want to work with Vishal Bharadwaj and Himesh Reshamiya in future.
Cricket, my second love
When I am not singing,I am glued to the television watching cricket matches. I rarely get the time to watch cricket as I am busy with recordings. I was not able to make it to Wankhede on the day Sachin retired, but, I met him on various occasions.
Current projects I’m doing an album Navratna of Red Ribbons.