'Every religion teaches us to practice humanity'

. From strolling throughthe streets to exploring new food joints dotting these areas, Javed has lovedevery bit of it. So it was obvious for the conversation to kick-start with Javedadmitting his love for Indian fare. “Bahut maze kiyen hainDilli mein. Kabhie Jama Masjid toh kabhie Daryaganj chale jaate thay doston kesaath. Koi aisi gali nahin bachi thi jahan ka khana na chakha ho.” It maytake Javed less than a minute to name the lip-smacking food items –Chicken Tikka to Tandoori Chicken and Chaat Papdi– he enjoys, however,when we asked him if he cooks with the same passion and interest, he said,“I know how to make an omelette,” adding, “Sach mein, I makeit really well.” Javed, who grew up watching his father singing kirtan andGurbani, believes one can achieve nothing by discriminating people on thegrounds of religion. “Why can’t people learn to be tolerant towardsother religious beliefs? People need to understand that every religion teachesthe idea to practice humanity. Humein insaniyat kabhie nahin chodhhnichahiye.” Did his family receive flak for singing kirtan and Gurbani?“Never. In fact, people thought it to be unique. Hum sirf upar wale kanaam leke gaate thay aur rozi roti khate the. I was about eight when I sangkirtan for the first time. Maine Delhi ke Gurudware mein Shabad bhi gaaya hai.My father made me learn.” Even though he had to wait for six long years toearn recognition from the viewers, Javed believes it has been worth the wait.“Yes I joined the industry in 2000 and got my first hit in2006. There were occasions when I didn’t get right songs or the moviecouldn’t do well due to some reasons. But I have no regrets. Jitni daerbaad success milta hai utni hi zyaada uski value badh jaati hai. For me, thephase, wherein I slogged but couldn’t get popular, taught me what successcouldn’t have. Chahe burrey log hon ya burra time, dono ne kuch seekh hidi hai.”Currently seen in “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’lChamps”, Javed can’t stop laughing as he narrates the incidents whengirls sent e-mails, messages to express their love for him.“‘I’m often asked question like, Aapke ghar main kaunhain?’ ‘Aap bachelor hain?’ Many don’t know thatI’m not only married but have a three year-old-daughter.,” Althoughhe adds, “But then I’m not saying I don’t like theirattention. Frankly, I’m quite enjoying it.”