Ramzan brings out the best in me: Javed Ali

The singer reflects on what the holy month means to him and how it helps his performance as an artiste
Deep Saxena (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 12, 2025)

Singer Javed Ali, who is best known for his soulful songs, feels the holy month of Ramzan brings out the “best in me”.

“I tell people that you should record me more during Ramzan,” the 42-year-old muses. Ask him why, and he explains, “The texture of the voice changes after one consumes food. So, when we fast during Ramzan, there is a very different roohani (soulful) connection. Kaam aur zyada accha hota hai. I have noticed a kind of freshness in my voice while recording during Ramzan.”

He says it is no coincidence that some of his hits were recorded while he was observing roza: “I recorded the title song of Ishaqzaade (2012), Tu Jo Mila (Bajrangi Bhaijaan, 2015) and Kuch Nahi (Tubelight, 2017) while observing roza. Aur dekho, unn gaano ka kitna asar hai!”

A religious person at heart, Javed tries to observe roza at any cost, even while he is travelling. Though he admits that he faces some challenges while doing so, he takes it all in his stride: “After iftar, when you consume food, your stamina drops. But you have to manage.”

Dwelling on what the holy month means to him, Javed reflects, “It’s tough to define Ramzan ka mauhal aur khushi in words. Many feel we are hungry throughout the day, but it’s nothing like that at all! In fact, we gain more power and control. I feel all rozedars enjoy fasting and doing iftar with family and friends at the dastarkhān with amazing food.”