New Delhi

Bollywood singer Javed Ali is a disciple of Ghazal King Ghulam Ali. His admiration for his ‘guru’ has made him add ‘Ali’ to his name while his father is Hameed Hussain. He says music connects hearts; it’s neither related to religion of the singer nor of the listener. True to the philosophy of Sufi thoughts – and he is an acclaimed singer in that genre – Javed says with music awakens humanity in all of us.  The 31-year old singer spoke on music and his career with Gaus Sewani for Awaaz The Voice. Here are excerpts from the interview:

Javed Ali ji, Music works towards connecting hearts; it breaks boundaries. What are your experiences?

It is true that music works to connect the hearts. Rather, I would say music does not see take religion into cognizance. Music awakens humanity in all of us.

The Indian film industry is known for its national unity. In that context what is the message you want to give to people across India?

The year 2020 was difficult, now the New Year, 2021, has started we want everyone to come forward with positive thinking. Everything is in the hands of Allah, who runs the universe. Every human should abandon old prejudices and move forward with new resolutions and positive thinking. In 2021, all of us should leave bad memories of the past behind and move forward with love and brotherhood.

The era of Corona was difficult for everyone. How was it for you?

It’ still not too late (to restart life). All our work has started, Thank God! Yet, the risk is still around. We pray to Allah for the end of Corona from all over the world. Then we can live life the way we used to.

Presently, efforts are being made for vaccination across the country. Would you like to get vaccinated too?

People are talking all sorts of things on this. The vaccine that is coming should be like a new gift for everyone. We are waiting for this. There is a wave of happiness around with this positive news. The law-and-order environment remained intact (during the Carona period).

Music concerts etc. were not held last year. Were you impacted by that?

The whole world was closed, how could I be different? Allah closed the whole world.  This also meant people started looking at life afresh. A family man who had no time to eat his food peacefully, started spending time with his family.

What are your thoughts at this moment?

We don't know everything. May Allah help me retain the name and fame that he has bestowed on me. I wish it carry it forward.. The honor that Allah has given me can’t be even imagined by many others. I have to keep up the good work

From our conversation, I can see shades of Sufi thoughts in your ideas. Besides your Sufi songs are great hits. What is your message on Sufism and bhakti?

Allah is God of all of us. He is the same, we can believe in any religion. Keep asking, he is the giver. Take care, keep your pace. Always ask Him, because He is the giver.

What are you planning this year?

I am recording some new songs. Some solos will come. I have recorded several singles which will be released. Recently a film ‘Khuda hafiz’ was produced. It’s one song was released in the lockdown. A song from the film 'Fina' from the South became a blockbuster. The third film is 'Road Two', and its song 'Ishq Kamal' I that I sung. That was also a big hit. Also, 'Bandish Bandits' web series 2020 was good for me, as I have sung its songs. Versions of this song were released and taken well. When people remained locked in their homes, Allah gave me hit songs. May the grace of Allah be upon me and keep moving forward.

You have sung in all the Indian languages; probably no language is left. Besides, you also sang in languages outside India. Nobody knows so many languages. How do you manage to get the right expression for each song?

Lyricist, supervisors brief us; they give full information. We sing by understanding; the tune also helps in understanding the mood of the song? In fact there is no need to change anything; it comes from the grace of Allah.

Many new singers are seen rise through the reality shows but after a few days many of them are not seen. where do they disappear?

Not everyone can succeed. If everyone succeeds, who will listen to? Where will the audience be? Everyone has their own destiny. There are many people who get lost in the crowd. The more talented one is, the more he will grow. The rest is in the hands of Allah.

Do you have any suggestions for new singers?

I keep learning from everyone. No matter how many singers come, everybody is doing great. After listening to others I sing my numbers. In fact, I keep singing my own songs to myself. How did these people sing my songs? I take it positively and pick up something from everyone.  This is my experiment of learning from new talents.

Nowadays sensitivity towards religion has increased. Traditionally, in the films Muslims could sing sanskrit hymns and bhajan while Lata Mangeshkar sang those famous Naat You also sing bhajans. Have you had any bad experiences ...?

Never.This has never happened and I wish God never gives me a bad experience ever. Our fans like this trend. If as a Muslim one is singing Bhajan a singer will have the same passion and devotion. Your fans enjoy it all the more. Doesn’t matter whether it’s a quawali or a bjajan; I am singing for one Lord.

You have sung so many songs, What is your favourite genre?

I love singing all kinds of songs and yet romantic and sufi numbers are my personal favourites.

Your fans love your sufi songs..

I love to sing Sufi songs and also know that people like these numbers. However, I equally love sufi and romantic songs.