As Luck(y) would have it

Indian singer fond of country’s independent music scene

Conventionality has never been Lucky Ali’s cup of tea. Unlike most of his contemporaries, the singer seems to be averse to public appearances and socialising within the industry. He is a self-confessed recluse who wouldn’t have it any other way.

But of late, Ali has been frequenting live shows across India. Just what triggered this shift in behaviour is yet to be seen but the O Sanam hit-maker feels his work is yet to make an impact on the independent music front of today. “I have always kept a low profile and never did many shows or attended many gatherings,” admitted Ali in an interview with Bollywood.com. “Recently though, I have been receiving the right offers so am busy with live shows. I feel more energetic when I make good music. I am working on some projects which should be completed by June.”





Twenty years of experience seems to have honed Ali’s ear for music and all things related, as the crooner went on to share his two cents on the “changing” industry. “Music and lyrics are changing these days but I am fonder of the independent music that is coming out of India. That is what people should watch out for,” he said. “There is so much music out there that is not Bollywood! If I can manage to carve myself in the independent space, I would be so happy.”

This is not to say that Ali has severed ties with Bollywood completely. After all, it is through films that he has garnered most success, be it the song Ek Pal Ka Jeena from 2000’s Kaho Na Pyaar Hai or Safarnama from last year’s Tamasha. For the latter, Ali collaborated with legendary Indian composer AR Rahman which he claims is always a “great” experience. “He and I are friends and we have done many projects together,” claimed Ali, when asked about working with Rahman. “I have been a guest faculty at his music conservatory and believe what he does is very noble. Mentoring students from over 250 orphanages and teaching them music is amazing. AR is very talented and we must learn from the way he feels his music. I will always respect and support him.”



Ever the performer, Ali is drawn to art wherever he goes. One could say he inherited it at birth, considering his maternal aunt Meena Kumar was the reigning queen of Bollywood in the 60s. His paternal aunt Minoo Mumtaz has remained a famous dancer as well. Ali also works closely with his former brother-in-law, composer Mikey McCleary whom he considers family. “Mikey has been an integral part of my sound, as a contributor and an ally. He is the next big thing to happen in music and people should give his work a listen,” said Ali, hinting at some more future collaboration between the two.

But unsurprisingly, music is not the only art that Ali is proficient at. The 57-year-old has also done a considerable amount of acting during his younger days, starting with 1962’s Chote Nawab, all the way to Kaante in 2002. When asked if acting was still on the cards, Ali replied with much positivity. “Of course! I come from a family of actors. If a good role comes along, I will always be interested,” he said. “I have actually signed an international project that I will start working on in June. We will be shooting in Delhi and I am really looking forward to that.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th,  2016.

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