As we all know, the quality of Hindi film music has deteriorated constantly over many decades due to various reasons. One big reason for this is ignoring and underutilizing genuine talents like Javed Ali. Javed is undoubtedly one of the most capable and classically sound vocalists of the post-Sonu Nigam era, which is known for its mediocrity. The singers who have given songs like “Jashn-e-Bahaaran,” “Arziyan,” “Kun Faya Kun,” “Guzarish,” “Nagada Nagada,” “Tu Hi Haqeeqat,” ”Tinku Jiya”, “Srivalli,” and many more remain criminally underutilised.
Early Life and Career
Javed Ali, born Javed Hussain, was born on July 5, 1982, in Delhi. His father introduced Javed Ali to the world of music at a very young age. His father, Ustad Hamid Hussain, a renowned qawwali singer, was his first mentor. Under his father’s guidance, Javed began his musical training, which laid the foundation for his future in playback singing. Javed was always admired by Ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali Sahab. He even changed his name to Javed Ali as a tribute to him.
I have been an ardent fan of Ustad Ghulam Ali Saab ever since I was a kid. He was the real inspiration behind my love for music. This was my first meeting with him. My father had inquired about a place where Ustad Ji often used to stay during his visit to the city. After 6 long hours of waiting, when he came, I was thrilled and was shivering with excitement and fear at the same time! I sang his famous ghazal, “Taanga Wale Nain,” and he complimented me by saying that I wasn’t a 9-year-old but a 40-year-old adult singing the ghazal! It was after this that he made me his shagird”
Javed Ali wrote about Ghulam Ali
At the age of fifteen, he moved to Mumbai and joined the academy of the great Kalyanji Anandji. He debuted as a playback singer in Beti No. 1 (2000), where he sang a duet, “Chori Chori Aankh Ladi,” with Anuradha Paudwal under the music direction of Viju Shah.
In 2003, he sang two songs in the cult classic “Haasil,” one classical bandish “Ab Ghar Aaja,” and the qawwali “Tu Hi Tu” with Roop Kumar Rathod. Both of these compositions are very difficult, and he has shown off his exceptional singing ability.
Next, he sang “Bhigee Hui Koi” with Sunidhi Chauhan in Sudhir Mishra’s “Chameli (2004),” composed by Sandesh Shandilya. A slow, haunting melody worth listening to on a long drive on a rainy evening, a modern rare gem.
Javed Ali In Big League
Javed then sang the blockbuster “Kajra Re” with Alisha Chinai and Shankar Mahadevan in “Bunty Aur Babli.” Some other notable films of his early career include Zamaanat (2002), Kyun…! Ho Gaya Na (2004), Dil Jo Bhi Kahey…(2005), Neal ‘N’ Nikki (2005), Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006), Malamaal Weekly (2006), Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota (2006), Goal (2007), and Sivaji: The Boss (2007).
In 2007, Javed tasted success with “Nagada Nagada” in Jab We Met and “Ek Din Teri Raahon” in Naqaab. He followed by ”Jashn-E-Bahaara” in Jodha Akbar (2008), ”Guzaarish” in Ghajini, ”Tu Muskura” in Yuvraaj (2008), ”Aa Jao Meri Tamanna” in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009), ”Araziyan” in Delhi-6 (2009), ”Tu Hi Haqeeqat” in Tum Mile (2009), ”Ranjha Ranjha” in Raavan (2010), “Tinku Jiya” in Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), and ”Kun Faya Kun” in Rockstar (2011).
In 2008, Javed sang his first Bengali film song in Chirosathi, followed by Partner (2008), Rajdrohi (2009), Lakshyabhed (2009), Shedin Dekha Hoyechilo (2010), Shotru (2011), Ki Kore Bojhabo Tomake (2012), Final Mission, Golemale Pirit Koro Na, Kagojer Nouka, Megh Roddur (all in 2013), Sangabora (2016), Dotara (2019), Raavan (2022), Fatfati (2023), and many more.
Versatility
Javed’s journey in the music industry is living proof of his passion, dedication, and the rich cultural heritage he carries. Over the years, he has been singing extensively, not just in Hindi and Urdu but also in Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Nepali, and Bhojpuri.
Some other notable songs of his career include “Kilimanjaro (Robot),” “Kaise Kahein Alvida (Yeh Saali Zindagi),” “Ishaqzaade (Ishaqzaade),” “Jab Tak Hai Jaan (Jab Tak Hai Jaan),” “Murshid Khele Hori (D Day),” “Tum Tak (Ranjhana),” “Daawat-E-Ishq (Daawat-E-Ishq),” “Mera Gham (Kochadaiiyaan),” “India Re (Lingaa),” “Dekhna Naa Mudke (Bajrangi Bhaijaan),” “Maula Mere Maula (Wazir),” Srivalli (Pushpa),” “Kshan Bhi Hai Tu (Brahmastra Part One: Shiva),” “Nazar Lag Jayegi (Bhola),” “Lab Par Aaye (Bandish Bandit),” and many more.
Apart from playback singing, Javed has also been a prominent figure on television, judging reality shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, and Indian Idol.
Personal Life
Javed is also known for his philanthropic and charitable work. He has done many live concerts to raise funds for various causes, like war widows, old-age homes, and many more.
Javed Ali is married to Yasmin, and together they have a son.
Javed Ali on IMDB
