Despite being the son of one of the most successful actor-comedians of Bollywood, singer Lucky Ali’s journey has been far from a bed of roses. The ‘Ek Pal Ka Jeena’ hitmaker left home after a major disagreement with his father, Mehmood. After leaving home, he went to stay with ace composer Rajesh Roshan, with whom he frequently collaborated.
“One day, Lucky came to me, visibly upset, guitar in hand. He said, ‘I’ve left home, and I’m not going back. Where should I go?’ I told him, ‘Come with me.’ From that moment on, he stayed with me. We made music, we shared space, and we built a bond that went beyond work,” Rajesh told Radio Nasha.
For the unversed, the song ‘Ek Pal Ka Jeena’ from the 2000 blockbuster ‘Kaho Na Pyaar Hai’ was composed by Rajesh Roshan. Picturised on Hrithik Roshan, the song became an instant chartbuster.
Early Experiments Beyond Films
In an interview with ShareChat, Lucky Ali reflected on his early years, explaining that he once attempted to run a carpet-cleaning venture. Unlike his father, the celebrated actor Mehmood Ali, who hoped his son would pursue cinema, Lucky felt no pull toward films.
He admitted to Curly Tales that carpets failed to capture his interest. Although he could purchase them, he struggled with the skills required to sell them profitably. As a result, every transaction ended in a loss, convincing him that entrepreneurship was not aligned with his strengths.
An Oil Rig Escape
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Ali later left home and sought work on an oil rig near Puducherry. His role involved the hazardous and unauthorized task of painting oil tank interiors. Despite the dangers, he carried his guitar along and often played it on the helipad whenever time allowed. During this period, he recognized his true calling. It was not the life of an oil rig worker that fascinated him, but the deep sense of fulfillment that came from making music.
Turning to Farming
After earning recognition as a playback singer in Bollywood, Lucky Ali shifted his focus toward agriculture. He established a farm in Kenchenahalli Yelahanka, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. However, in 2022, he claimed to be facing harassment over his land. As reported in multiple accounts, Ali alleged that members of a land mafia had tried to encroach on his property, with support from a government officer of the Indian Administrative Service.
Lucky has also tried his hand at breeding horses. In a 2011 interview with The Hindu, he talked about his love for horses and revealed they had a stud farm outside Bengaluru.
Musical Journey and Breakthrough
Lucky Ali, the second among Mehmood’s eight children, became a prominent figure in India’s Indipop movement during the 1990s. His career was launched with the album Sunoh, which not only introduced him as a unique voice in the Indian music landscape but also garnered several accolades.
Known for his raw, untrained voice and distinct musical sensibility, Ali created a style that resonated with audiences. His later albums, Aks and Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai, also found considerable success. In playback singing, he made his Bollywood debut with the track 'Nasha Nasha' in Dushman Duniya Ka. His popularity soared after lending his voice to hits like 'Ek Pal Ka Jeena' and 'Na Tum Jaano Na Hum' in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000). He continued contributing to soundtracks of films such as Sur – The Melody of Life (2002), Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), Anjaana Anjaani (2010), and Tamasha (2015).
Acting Stints Despite Differences
Although his decision to prioritize music over films led to disagreements with his father, Lucky Ali occasionally explored acting. He appeared in Shyam Benegal’s historical series Bharat Ek Khoj, the feature film Kaante, and played a significant role in Sur: The Melody of Life. These projects demonstrated that while his heart belonged to music, he retained the versatility to participate in cinema when the opportunity felt meaningful.
“One day, Lucky came to me, visibly upset, guitar in hand. He said, ‘I’ve left home, and I’m not going back. Where should I go?’ I told him, ‘Come with me.’ From that moment on, he stayed with me. We made music, we shared space, and we built a bond that went beyond work,” Rajesh told Radio Nasha.
For the unversed, the song ‘Ek Pal Ka Jeena’ from the 2000 blockbuster ‘Kaho Na Pyaar Hai’ was composed by Rajesh Roshan. Picturised on Hrithik Roshan, the song became an instant chartbuster.
Early Experiments Beyond Films
In an interview with ShareChat, Lucky Ali reflected on his early years, explaining that he once attempted to run a carpet-cleaning venture. Unlike his father, the celebrated actor Mehmood Ali, who hoped his son would pursue cinema, Lucky felt no pull toward films.He admitted to Curly Tales that carpets failed to capture his interest. Although he could purchase them, he struggled with the skills required to sell them profitably. As a result, every transaction ended in a loss, convincing him that entrepreneurship was not aligned with his strengths.
An Oil Rig Escape
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Ali later left home and sought work on an oil rig near Puducherry. His role involved the hazardous and unauthorized task of painting oil tank interiors. Despite the dangers, he carried his guitar along and often played it on the helipad whenever time allowed. During this period, he recognized his true calling. It was not the life of an oil rig worker that fascinated him, but the deep sense of fulfillment that came from making music. Turning to Farming
After earning recognition as a playback singer in Bollywood, Lucky Ali shifted his focus toward agriculture. He established a farm in Kenchenahalli Yelahanka, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. However, in 2022, he claimed to be facing harassment over his land. As reported in multiple accounts, Ali alleged that members of a land mafia had tried to encroach on his property, with support from a government officer of the Indian Administrative Service.Lucky has also tried his hand at breeding horses. In a 2011 interview with The Hindu, he talked about his love for horses and revealed they had a stud farm outside Bengaluru.
Musical Journey and Breakthrough
Lucky Ali, the second among Mehmood’s eight children, became a prominent figure in India’s Indipop movement during the 1990s. His career was launched with the album Sunoh, which not only introduced him as a unique voice in the Indian music landscape but also garnered several accolades. Known for his raw, untrained voice and distinct musical sensibility, Ali created a style that resonated with audiences. His later albums, Aks and Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai, also found considerable success. In playback singing, he made his Bollywood debut with the track 'Nasha Nasha' in Dushman Duniya Ka. His popularity soared after lending his voice to hits like 'Ek Pal Ka Jeena' and 'Na Tum Jaano Na Hum' in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000). He continued contributing to soundtracks of films such as Sur – The Melody of Life (2002), Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), Anjaana Anjaani (2010), and Tamasha (2015).




