An epic romance, a world-famous music composer and two superstars -- that is what awaited Javed Ali, when he was called to sing a romantic number from the upcoming Jodhaa Akbar.
But 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.
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.
Besides working with Ghulam Ali, Javed accompanied his father Hamid whenever he went for stage shows.
"My father and I were good at kirtan and we sang at many places," says Javed.
Text: Syed Firdaus Ashraf | Photograph: Sanjay Sawant
Don't Miss: Listen to Javed Ali sing
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