I would love to sing for Gujarati films: Javed Ali

“Ahmedabad aane mein ek alag hi suroor hai,” shares singer Javed Ali, who has lent his voice to many hit songs. From Kun Faya Kun to Gujarati songs like Lagi Re Lagan, Javed Ali’s mesmerising voice has enthralled everyone for years. In Ahmedabad to promote Indian Pro Music League (IPML), the singer talked about his love for farsan and his wish to visit Gir. In a chat with us, Ali talks about Gujaratis and their love for music, the popularity of regional music and his love for Gujarati thali.Excerpts:
‘GUJARATIS HAVE A LOT OF LOVE AND RESPECT FOR MUSICIANS’
I have been to Ahmedabad and other cities in Gujarat on numerous occasions. Music has a special place in Gujarat. Gujarat ek aisi jagah hai jahan music ko bahot rich maana jaata hai. People here have a lot of love and respect for musicians and that reflects in the music industry here. No matter where we go, whether it’s US or any other place, Gujaratis are very receptive to music and genuinely enjoy listening to us. Gujaratis hume palkon pe bitha lete hai. The way Gujaratis appreciate music is very rare and I love that. In the reality show that I’m currently a part of, I’m representing Gujarat and I’m very happy to do so.
‘I MAKE SURE TO HAVE GUJARATI THALI EVERY TIME I AM IN AHMEDABAD’
I love coming to Gujarat and have performed here on many different occasions. I love the warmth here and I also love how rich the Gujarati culture is. Every time I am in Ahmedabad, I always make sure to have Gujarati thali. I tell the organisers to take me to one of the popular thali places in the city, where I can sit and enjoy the delicious meal. I also love the farsan here. Apart from Ahmedabad, I have been to the Rann to perform at a concert and I am in awe of that place. Given a chance, I would love to visit Gir as I’m a wildlife enthusiast.
‘I STARTED MY CAREER BY SINGING GARBAS’
I have sung numerous Gujarati songs over the years. Not just Gujarati, I have sung Telugu and Tamil songs too. Regional music has become big. People are open to listening to songs in different languages and different kinds of music now. I remember many Gujarati garbas. When I was struggling to start my career in Mumbai, I would sing garbas and earn from that. Tara Vina Shyam and Kumkum Na Pagla Padya are among my favourites and I perform them at every given opportunity. I would also love to sing for Gujarati movies.