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“Bhubaneswar Is One City That I Really Love!” Says Bollywood Singer Javed Ali
He came into limelight for his song, ‘Ek Din Teri Raahon Mein’ from the film Naqaab but Bollywood singer Javed Ali for sure has carved a niche for himself in the music industry. Ali today features as an integral part of our everyday playlist! Be it popular Sufi songs like ‘Arziyan’ from Delhi-6, ‘Kun Faya Kun’ from Rockstar or the romantic tunes of ‘Guzarish’ from Ghajini, ‘Aa Jao Meri Tamanna’ from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and ‘Tum Tak’ from Raanjhanaa, Ali has never failed to refresh his repertoire of poignant melodies with a hit every time.
My City Links caught up with the young and versatile singer, while he was in the city, for a brief tete-e-tete on his musical journey and his experience in Odisha. Excerpts.
Did you always want to become a singer?
Coming from a family with music in the genes, I have always had an inclination towards music. We are three brothers, and it was an obvious expectation that one of us would take up the family tradition. Although, we were never pressurised to join the music industry, I decided to take up music as a career, given my personal interest in music compared to my brothers. My life has always been about music, and all I think about is music!
My father Ustad Hamid Hussain who is my inspiration and personal trainer, had always encouraged me to pursue my passion for music. He would even make me learn music from other people to improve my versatility.
Most of your songs have a Sufi or a classical touch to them, which makes them truly soulful. Would you also like to explore other genres of music as well?
Most certainly! As a singer, I would like to explore as many genres of music as I can. Although I have sang many romantic songs, it is the Sufi songs that have been appreciated the most by my audience. The audience has made me realise that my strength lies in the classical genre of music. I should keep improving myself in it and bring them something refreshing every time. However, I have a single number coming up soon. It is going to be a dramatic mix of dance and melody. I am sure the audience will love it.
While you have worked with many renowned music directors, how was your experience of working with A R Rahman?
Working with Rahman Sir is a learning process. He is always coming up with some new techniques, new methods of recording, and even the way in which voices are dubbed. He keeps experimenting with sounds and music. Moreover, I have always felt surrounded by a certain spirituality whenever I went for a song recording with him. Behind every song that I have recorded with him, there is an unforgettable experience. These experiences have taught me something and have helped me grow.
From all the songs that you have sang, which is your personal favourite?
This has always been a difficult question for me. If asked, I would say all my songs are my favourite and are very close to my heart. Since all my songs are my favourite, you should ask this question to my audience.
You have sung a few Odia songs too. How was the experience rendering your voice in Odia?
Singing in any new language is always an interesting experience. It teaches you a lot about not only the language, but your own art as well. I have sung many songs in Tamil; compared to them, singing in Odia is easier.
It brings me great satisfaction to listen to my songs in other regional languages. A lot of hard work goes into creating and sustaining a different texture, working on the pronunciation, and maintaining the tone. All said, it is fun to sing in different languages!
Odisha is like home to you as you keep frequenting here for your shows and concerts. How has been your association with this state?
Bhubaneswar is one city that I really love! It happens to be one of my favourite cities in the country. The audience here loves music and they appreciate it a lot. The people of Odisha treat us like stars and pamper us with their warmth. Their love is no less than God’s blessings for me. I feel that I am at home, when I come to Odisha. I have been to Puri and Bhubaneswar many times, and every time I leave Odisha, I keep thinking of another opportunity to get back here. I hope to be back soon!