Rashid Ali (singer)

Rashid Ali
Rashid Ali
Born	Hyderabad, India
Occupation	Musician
Instruments	Vocals; guitar;
Years active	2002–present

Rashid Ali is an Indian playback singer, guitarist, and composer known for his work in Indian cinema, primarily in Hindi films.^[1] He is best known for his collaborations with music director A. R. Rahman and his award-nominated vocal performance for the song "Kabhi Kabhi Aditi" from the film Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na.

Career

A. R. Rahman discovered Ali at a concert in London and invited him to perform at his Unity of Light concert. Following his performance of a jazz-infused version of "Ooh La La La" at the event, Ali became a frequent collaborator in Rahman's live shows and soundtracks.

He debuted as a playback singer in 2002, providing vocals for Rahman on the Tamil film Paarthale Paravasam. In 2008, he provided vocals for two tracks in the romantic comedy Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. His work on the film earned him Best Male Playback Singer nominations at the Filmfare, Stardust, Star Screen Awards, and Radio Mirchi Awards.

As a guitarist, Ali frequently contributes to Rahman's film soundtracks. He played the rhythm guitar and provided vocals for the track "Kabhi Kabhi Aditi", for which he also composed the introductory guitar riff. He also recorded the songs "Call Me Dil" and "Cry Cry" for the film Jhootha Hi Sahi, playing the steel-string rhythm guitar on the former.

In 2011, Ali released his debut solo album, Call Me Rashid. The music was composed and arranged by Ali, and the album was produced by Rahman under his KM Music label.^[2] The album was digitally launched by Artist Aloud (Hungama Digital Media) on 28 November 2011, and actress Tabu made her music video debut to promote the release.^[3] The following year, he provided vocals for the track "Sun Lo Zara" with Shreya Ghoshal for the film Ek Deewana Tha.^[4]

In November 2012, Ali performed with Rahman in Bhopal for the anniversary of the formation of Madhya Pradesh. In 2013, he recorded the duet "Nazar Laaye" with Neeti Mohan for the Raanjhanaa soundtrack. He later produced and released an independent single featuring Mohan titled "Tu Hai" ('Autumn Love').

In 2014, Ali launched 'Rashid's Jam Room', a series of YouTube videos featuring musical collaborations with other artists. In 2015, he collaborated with sitar player Niladri Kumar on "Head to the Heart", an instrumental jugalbandi track featuring acoustic guitar and sitar.

Personal life

Ali was born in Hyderabad, India, and raised in London. His father is a retired businessman, and his mother is a ghazal singer who trained under Ghulam Mustafa Khan.^[1]

Discography

Year	Film/Album	Song	Composer
2002	Paarthale Paravasam	"Naadhir Thinna"	A. R. Rahman
2008	ADA...A Way of Life	"Ishq Ada"
	Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na	"Kabhi Kabhi Aditi" – Nominated for Best Male Playback Singer for Filmfare, Stardust, Star Screen Awards and Radio Mirchi Awards 2008/2009.
	Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na	"Kahin Toh"
2009	Blue	"Bhoola Tujhe"
	Blue	"Yemayyindo Mansukhi Teninnu Manchhiti" (D)
	Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai	"Keh Do Zara"	Sajid–Wajid
2010	Jhootha Hi Sahi	"Cry Cry"	A. R. Rahman
2010	Jhootha Hi Sahi	"Call Me Dil"	A. R. Rahman
2012	Call Me Rashid	"Ayrilik", "Parda Parda", "Sookhi Nadhi", "Something on Your Mind", "Jin Ke Dhum Se", "Saahil Hai Kinara", "Soch Zara", "Zarra Zarra", "Kabhi Kabhi" (New Version), "Tears of Joy" (Instrumental), "Bailal" (Instrumental), "Saahil Hai Kinara" (Instrumental).	Rashid Ali
2012	Ekk Deewana Tha	"Sun Lo Zara"	A. R. Rahman
2013	Raanjhanaa	"Nazar Laaye"	A. R. Rahman
2013	Single Featuring Neeti Mohan	"Tu Hai" ('Autumn Love')	Rashid Ali
2021	Atrangi Re	"Toofan Si Kudi"	A. R. Rahman

References

^ ^a ^b M., Athira (26 June 2013). "Rashid unplugged!". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
^ "Record Label promoted by A. R. Rahman". KM Musiq. Retrieved 6 December 2011.
^ "ARR – Rashid Ali – Tabu-New Music Video Album?". Archived from the original on 10 February 2010.
^ Dhingra, Deepali S (19 December 2011). "Rashid Ali is back with a bang!". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 20 February 2026.

External links

Rashid Ali at IMDb

[:0-1] M., Athira (26 June 2013). "Rashid unplugged!". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 February 2026.

[2] "Record Label promoted by A. R. Rahman". KM Musiq. Retrieved 6 December 2011.

[3] "ARR – Rashid Ali – Tabu-New Music Video Album?". Archived from the original on 10 February 2010.

[4] Dhingra, Deepali S (19 December 2011). "Rashid Ali is back with a bang!". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 20 February 2026.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]