Music has moved with the demands of time: Javed Ali

While the legacy of legendary playback singer Mohammad Rafi has endured the test of time even three decades after his death, the demands of music industry has moved on from pure melody to more contemporary themes.

Javed Ali, the voice behind some of the hit tracks such as "Kehne ko jashn-e-bahara..." and the recent "Ishaqzaade" title track that has catapulted him to one of the promising voices in the music industry, says the demands of the time and the need to constantly bring something new has led producers and directors to innovate.

"The music industry has moved on with time, it has changed accordingly," says Ali who was in the capital recently for a concert that paid tribute to Mohammad Rafi.

From the romantic numbers like 'Tumne mujhe dekha...' and 'Chaudavin ka chand ho...' to the qawwali "Yeh deewane ki zid" to songs that evoked melancholy like "Tere bina zindagi se koi..." and "Aaja tujhko pukare...", the list is endless and Rafi's voice did justice to each and every song.

And it is this versatility in a singer which is the key to succeed, says Ali pointing out that Rafi was the master of versatility with vast array of genre from romantic to qawwali to bhajan sung by him in his ethereal voice.

"He is my idol and anyone can become a singer by listening to his songs," says Ali.

Meenal Jain, an upcoming singer, who also performed at the concert, seconded Ali. "The legend of Rafi is unparalleled and his songs will always be remembered and sung," she says.

The audience matters and no music is bad depending on the preferences, says Ali for whom "Indian songs are in his blood."

"The melody is in our blood and we can sing anything but never leave our roots," says the singer.

On the issue of reality shows which has shown a spurt in recent years with young singers lapping it up to get on that launch platform, Ali says he is still apprehensive of their success.

"It is the hardwork and talent which ultimately matters and you need to interact and make contacts which can get you work in the music industry," says Ali who had been a judge in one of the reality shows.

"Constant practice to hone my singing skills and luck has given me work and recognition," says Ali.

"Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan were initially recognized through these shows but it is the talent and their constant hardwork which has made them leading voices in the industry," he adds.

However Meenal Jain, who participated in one of the singing reality shows, differs from Ali on talent shows and said it was due to the show that she got the break.
"The platform is huge, you get the recognition, but after that it is your talent, coupled with luck and contacts, which matters," says Jain.