Javed Ali on ARR

Born Javed Hussain, son of singer Hamid Hussain, Javed's talent was evident as a child. When he was five years old, ghazal legend Ghulam Ali happened to hear his voice and felt the boy could become a great singer. The maestro not only guided him, but also gave him a chance to sing.

Javed then changed his name to Javed Ali."I am a student of Ghulam Ali, who was like my guru. I changed my name in his honour," Javed says.

Before he sang Jashn-E-Bahara for the Ashutosh Gowarikar film, he went through a lot hard work. It all started with a phone call in 1994 when Javed was 15 years old.

The caller was music director Kalyanji (of Kalyanji-Anandji fame). Kalyanji, who had heard Javed sing, promised to help Javed be a singer in Mumbai.

So instead of completing his graduation in 1994 in New Delhi, Javed packed his bags and headed for the city of dreams."It was an opportunity that I thought I could not miss," he tells us.

Q. Tell us how did u got the chance to sing in JodhaAkbar?
Well aashutosh sir had once heard me for rahman sir. He liked my voice and said my voice could be tried out in his movie. And so i got a call from rahman sir. I am really thankful to rahman sir and aashutosh sir for the song.

Q. Its a dream for a singer to work for a r rahman. How did u meet him?
Mr.Brijbhushan had recommended me to rahman sir. So i went there and sang some songs. He liked it but at that moment i felt he wont be calling me again. I got the call from him when i was holidaying. I was on top of the world. It was my dream to sing for him. I couldnt tell how i was feeling. I immediately rushed to chennai to record the song. I feel blessed to sing for him.

Q. How it is working with him?
He is very easy to work with. The comfort level that he shares with u is great. That makes u feel calm and u can do ur work. So overall it was a great experience to work with him.