Lucky Ali: Music was never my job

Lucky Ali, who has sung tracks like ‘O sanam’, ‘Kabhi aisa lagta hai’ and ‘Na tum jaano na hum’ (Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai; 2000), remains fresh in the memories of music lovers, even though he has stayed away from the circuit for many years.

Lucky Ali, who has sung tracks like ‘O sanam’, ‘Kabhi aisa lagta hai’ and ‘Na tum jaano na hum’ (Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai; 2000), remains fresh in the memories of music lovers, even though he has stayed away from the circuit for many years. Known for his ballad-style vocals, the singer says he is preparing to release a new album. Set to perform at an event in Nashik on February 8, Lucky discusses why he is reserved, and why he left Mumbai for a quiet life in Bengaluru.

Singer-Lucky-Ali

You stay away from the limelight. Is it a conscious decision?
I was never really in the limelight. I had always been away.

You don’t sing a lot for films or albums now.
Music was never my job. It was a serious hobby that I pursued to be happy. It just keeps me in the groove.

So what keeps you busy?
There are various things I do that keep me busy. I still record music. Sometimes I do concerts once a month, and sometimes I don’t.

You were appreciated for your acting in Sur — The Melody of Life (2002). But you didn’t do films post that.
I find it difficult to put my existence behind a character. I have done good films in the past, but I feel more peaceful doing music.

Since you come from a family of popular Bollywood personalities, do you ever plan to make a film?
Actually, I don’t think about it. I am not very good at finding my way commercially. I was fortunate to have parents who had made the journey simpler for me. But, I would like to shoot a mockumentary (a documentary film or TV show in which fictional events are presented in a parodic manner) at some point.

It’s been over three years since you’ve released an album.
I record continuously. I have a bunch of friends, and we ideate and produce music together. But since I am not bound by any music company, I come up with albums at my discretion. I am planning to release one soon.

You don’t stay in Mumbai these days.
I find it difficult to live in Mumbai as it’s too polluted and loud for me. I think the city is not good for my health. It’s a concrete metropolis, which is just about earning money.

What have you planned for your performance at the Sulafest in Nashik on February 8?
I will present some of my popular film and album tracks from the past as well as some new compositions that I have worked on.