Javed Ali: Come flood or rain, I never leave a chance to perform at Qutb Minar

Singer Javed Ali shares what compels him to head to Delhi whenever invited to perform at the minaret. He recently visited the city to perform at the historical monument, and confesses that he silently prayed that it doesn’t rain during the show.

The Sufi vibe of Qutb Minar is not one to be missed. That’s precisely what draws singer Javed Ali to perform in Delhi. Besides, he also associates the minaret with his “many childhood memories”.

Singer Javed Ali recently performed at the Qutb Minar. when invited as part of the launch of web portal, Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar. (Photo: Shantanu Bhattacharya/HT)

Recently in the Capital to perform at the Qutb Minar — for the launch of web portal, Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar — Ali regaled the audience with his popular songs such as Jashn-E-Bahaaraa (Jodhaa Akbar; 2011), Tum Tak (Raanjhanaa, 2013) and Tu Jo Mila (Bajrangi Bhaijaan, 2015), among others. Excerpts from the interview:

“I tend to have a very deep rooted, emotional and divine connection with the Qutb Minar. I used to visit the dargah of Hazrat Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki with my father when I was young to offer prayers, stroll and play around the complex. Even today, when he (my father) is not here with me, this monument acts like a memory of him. This is why despite the news of the flood-like situation in Delhi, due to rains and Yamuna, I couldn’t miss a chance to perform at the Qutb Minar (because) it always reminds me of my father and those childhood days that I’d always wish to keep close to my heart.”

Alongside the city’s monsoon, he also misses the bylanes of Old Delhi and Jama Masjid, for the delicious foods available here. He says, “Be it the non-veg in Old Delhi or the chaat in Ashok Vihar, every bit of Delhi’s food is awesome to savour.... Hence, each time I’m in Delhi, I try to take my entire team to the Jama Masjid area!”

Author tweets @maishascribbles

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