Kabhi Kabhi Aditi
The song from this year's superhit -- Jaane Na Ya Jaane Tu -- has made the name Aditi very popular. What it also did was make the singer of this popular number famous.
Meet Rashid Ali as he talks (and sings) to Nithya Ramani about his experience singing the song and working with ace music director, A R Rahman.
Where are you from and how did land up in Bollywood?
I was born in India but brought up in the UK. My mother is a ghazal singer. We have been taught both languages right from childhood so we are very conversant with Indian and Western music.
How did you learn music?
I did not have any formal lessons in singing. I have heard music all my life at home from my mother. I did not have any formal lessons on the guitar either. I have a fair knowledge of Bollywood music since I hear it all the time. I have grown up hearing Lata Mageshkar and Mohammad Rafi sing.
How did you meet A R Rahman?
He saw me during a concert. I mentioned to him about my mother being a ghazal singer and the fact that she had done a lot of concerts with Ustad Gulam Khan saab. Since he knew Usatad saab we kind of struck a dual note. It was a unique thing for him I guess, to find an Asian, an Indian who also knows western music which also he is into -- the cutting edge kind of music.
How did Jaane Tu happen?
I met him during a concert (prior to which I had sung a Tamil song from the film Paarthale Paravasam).
Why Tamil?
I don't know Tamil but I had to sing a single phrase at a time. ARR was looking for a fresh voice. I also sang Adnan Sami's part in the song Boom Boom from the film Boys in the Dubai concert with ARR. I sang Ada from the film (of the same name). Meanwhile he offered me Aditi.
'I am comfortable with the electric guitar'
How did you learn music?
During one of my birthdays, I was gifted a violin. The guitar was the next, which I was more inclined to. It was all self-taught. I would listen to all kinds of music and then learn them.
How did your parents react to your decision of becoming a singer?
My mother was very pleased. What she couldn't pursue because of various constraints, I could. She was happy that at least I got to do what she never got the chance of doing. Dad too was pleased.
Have you always aspired to be a singer and a composer?
Yes. But the composing part happened when I got the guitar.
What kind of music would you like to sing to?
My voice is a very important part of my whole persona. I would prefer something organic or acoustic. But that is not necessary. I am equally interested in other kinds of music. I am comfortable with the electric guitar and very strong rock songs. I like everything -- rock, jazz, Arabic music, flamingo etc.
What was the first thing you had in mind when you sang Aditi?
The first thing was to sing it the way I would sing it. I was told that I should sing it in a very upbeat and peppy manner. I was told to put on a happy face, picture the guy singing a song about his girl. The rest came naturally.
'I haven't met Aamir Khan till date'
How was it working with Aamir Khan?
I did not get to meet him. It was all through Abbas Tyrewala (the director). I haven't met Aamir till date. But I am sure he knows me and liked my song. It is great when you know that someone somewhere listens to your song and appreciates it.
How was it working with Abbas?
Having toured with AR, Sukhvinder (Singh) and Shankar (Mahadevan) I knew how things happen. As regards to Abbas, he is very definte with what he wants. The lyrics are very nice that even I could understand (my Urdu is very bad). He had an idea of how he lyrically wanted the song.
How long did you take to finish the song?
We didn't take long. The guitar part was done in very little time. We were ready with Aditi by the time Kahi tho was ready to be shot.
Were you present during the shooting of the song?
No, though I would have loved to been there.
Have you ever heard of Imran when you had to sing for him?
No. It was only later that I came to know he is Aamir's nephew.
Any other future projects with A R Rahman?
He is producing my album.
'I cannot judge an actor like I can a musician'
What is the album about?
It is basically my compositions. We are working on ideas to project my voice and the guitar tracks. Lets wait and see what happens.
How difficult or easy is it to sing in different languages especially in the ones you don't know?
It is not difficult to sing in different languages because the music is essentially the same. A musician knows what scales to play. My purpose of music is to make it universal. By having knowledge of different types of music you become versatile and can bend and shape your voice to suit the mood. That is more of an art.
Who are your favourite actors?
Robert Di Nero, Harrison Ford and Dilip Kumar. I cannot judge an actor like I can a musician. When you know the craft you connect yourself with the music.
Who do you think are good singers from the current crop?
I like KK, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal, Sadana Sargam and Lata Mangeshkar. I also like S P Balasubramanium, Yesudoss, Shankar Mahadevan and Sukvinder Singh.
'My album will be very different'
What has been the response to your music?
It has been very good. Everybody liked it.
What do you think is the USP of your voice?
I think the freshness and different style.
What kind of music can we expect from your album?
Very different. It will be my music and my compositions with AR as my guide.
When can we get to hear it?
Very soon.
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