Ali Sethi interview on his journey from being "uncool" to in demand

Pakistani singer Ali Sethi speaks to Haroon Rashid about his career in the music industry, how he responds to the label of being the "modern king of ghazal" and normalising the genre for young people today. They also discuss how Ali was made to feel "uncool" for liking ghazals as a teenager, how music gives him an outlet to express his art and what he makes of the current state of the music industry.
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[@ankitjha1]

The story about you being laughed at for your music taste is very relatable. I grew up listening to Ghazals and it feels so good to see you recreate them so beautifully! You’re literally King of modern Ghazals. You're the coolest.

[@nirmitraj4642]

Same

[@Watchcollecterzzz]

He is a gandu that’s why people laughed at him not because of his musical choices but because he was a lul choos

[@Watchcollecterzzz]

@@nirmitraj4642 you should eat beef steaks

[@mustafahaji2023]

I grew up in Kargil, one of the remotest places in India which gets cut off from the rest of country for 6 months due to snowfall in winters. It is also the border between India and Pakistan. And since we had only black and white TV back then, that too with very limited electricity , Radio would be the only source of entertainment to a lot of us. The Radio would play in my home all the time and it is through the Radio I got to listen to various Ghazals. These Ghazals stayed with me for a very long period, but I almost forgot about them when I was sent to boarding school in Jammu. We had no internet and all then. It was while in Law School I got a chance to access KZbin and other sources for music. I could search for those ghazals again and listen to them again, for hours. I have been listening to Noor Jahan, Ghulam Ali, Nayara Noor and various other artists , and I always thought why aren't there enough contemporary singers doing such music, although there were lot of people who were singing them but I didn't come across anyone who was singing them as Ghazals- explaining and articulating what went behind all those songs, through their singing. I think when the likes of Nayyar Noor or Farida Khanum sang those songs , it wasn't just about the comprehensible music part of it but also the hidden stories behind , the politics of it, and the manifestation of the times people were living in or as Ali calls it , "zamana". And all of that was delivered through the songs without really talking about them . There is literally a huge void in the Pakistani Ghazal scene after a certain era. I think Coke studio does a good work in reclaiming that lost part but it was Ali Sethi who reintroduced the Ghazal genre while also taking care of all those nuances. It's like he serves them all on a platter, that too with his extraordinary aura. I have been following his music for quite some time and I feel he is really underrated even as when the interviewer compares him with Asim or anyone from the new lot. Ali is an institution in himself and as they say in Urdu, an 'ehsaas'. He is par excellence, God bless him always! And mine is certainly an underrated review of him. In the times to come, I hope someone writes a better tribute to him. A fan and a shameless commenter on his Instagram live sessions.

[@RabiahBieber]

underrated comment tbh.

[@kads1784]

Yes beautifully written.No way you can compare him with Asim Azhar🤔😏

[@aasimrais730]

Loved your experience sharing

[@ifra221]

woah! you are a wonderful story teller

[@fatimamohammad6358]

Bro leave ali behind let's just talk about how captivating is your way of talking n writing i was really in to your story in the beginning n forgot about the video....

[@asrasaeed1268]

Love when Ali use urdu language words to describe a feeling because english can't do justice to our emotions sometimes 😊

[@AbhishekBhatia]

The best interview ever. As a writer and as an artist, thank you Haroon for conducting this so professionally and making Ali comfortable and getting into a conversation about art, unapologetically. Just as art is supposed to be. Thank You again!

[@mohdshanu803]

I can undoubtedly say that Ali Sethi is a gem in the music industry.

[@Manishaaaaaaaaaa]

I mean I'm officially in love with this man. And listening to this conversation is like attending an art class. He is way too articulate. Like not once did he have fillers in his answers. And he is way too cool. Period. His music is cooler and his sense of music is insaaane and yet he says his mom gets music and doesn't like his kinda music 😄 I could actually listen to him all day. If only he is reading this comment, I request you Ali Sethi to start a podcast of your own. You have so much knowledge to share.

[@faithfulgoat3052]

the only thing i wanted to say after this interview was over..is that "i want more!!!!" it was always such a pleasure to hear ali sethi sing but its even its even more blissful to hear him speak...what an ARTIST

[@memetrex2969]

Yaa its pleasure to listen Ali n Mira conversation both are too good

[@mahwishmahmood2905]

THE BEST INTERVIEW IN THE HISTORY OF INTERVIEWS. let's take a moment for Haroon. He really nailed it. His way of asking questions is beyond amazing. He's not interviewing, he's having an awesome conversation. And Ali, to sum it up I would say it's even more soothing to hear him speak. He talks and explains his art like a pro. Honestly I was drawn to this type of music just bcz of him. Although I've heard so many of Mehdi Hassan's and Noor Jehan in my childhood but today at the age of 26 I feel more attracted to this genre only because of your style of conveying and now that you've explained it so well, it's excellent. Simply BRAVO man! I love his voice in talking more now. Can't express my feelings really. I literally lost my words.

[@memoriesintechnicolour1360]

I love that the interviewer was well versed with Ali's work and was enthusiastic as opposed to traditional interviews where the interviewer doesn't know the artist/ only does it as 'work'

[@Watchcollecterzzz]

You needed a flaming gandu to confirm that mehdhi hassan’s ghazals are amazing? Stick to closet drinking and knobbing your gorah boyfriend. You are ashamed of being Pakistani you mean Kutiyah. This gandu is making you rethink your shame. Ghustee

[@ivanganguly]

I have always maintained the new generation of Indian and Pakistani "Aman ki Asha" Promoters will bond over Ali Sethi for the next 70 years.

[@RahulKumar-py8fz]

Aptly put, Ivan! :)

[@ifra221]

meanwhile you'll keep voting people like modi! pak has chosen its path now the path to peace and progress when will india follow

[@sairanikhatimam]

@Vishal Meghwal Stop rehtorics you both. I had huge expectations as an Indian from Imran Khan, he did fail at it. Atleast this platform should allow us to bond irrespective to the list of things we differ. Let us praise we share same civilization the music taste and much more.

[@ConfusedTraveler555]

I'm sure they will ! I wish they do!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-gn2pq7jp3o]

Man who says hes not cool he's the coolest guy . He's the type of person u can hang out with all day and not feel bored he would sing ghazals and talk about music history

[@behramshah4554]

That is so true..I felt the exact same thing that you described. I would love to be around a person like him and can relate with. Unfortunately, couldnt find the type of people I want to be around with.

[@adarshchoudhary5982]

Hands down this was the best podcast i've ever listened

[@meherbokhari3063]

We grew up together, this interview just makes me smile :) so happy to see Sethi so eloquent and beautiful ❤

[@Watchcollecterzzz]

I don’t think so news scandal ghustee you stick to eating Malik lul and enjoying Malik kheer e lul 😂😂😂

[@vanshikarathore5513]

This is a very genuine conversation. Both of them feel as real as me, actually. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@dil3038]

I love how you literally had a comprehensive discussion about socialital norms in the asian culture, as a part of an interview... So much depth.

[@Tjp524]

I am in Kenya and found Ali Sethi recently..and what a find! Absolutely awesome! 💕

[@subhamnayak339]

Just found out who he is and checked his music out ..it's really cool

[@Fatimaaly_]

This guy with his music screams his roots and his words scream his degree. Absolutely brilliant!

[@haroonshiraz8462]

My heart feels stimulated by every single word of this conversation! Love you Ali and Haroon. Stay blessed

[@reemakapoor805]

Both so so so articulate n i hv always bin a gr8 admirer of Ali .S n his sis Mira .S ( she z sch a good mimic too) Wn i share all this wid my friends i ask dem to watch pak artists' interviews as maj of d actors( males majorly) are so well informed n well spoken! Ali .S has immense info to impart abt music n i respect him for his devotion in terms of d riyaaz he must be doin m sure!! N he is nv insipid for a single sec !!😀 Comes across as a jovial n yt a no nonsense person!! Follow him big time!! I wonder at d way he puts his facial muscles to sm exercise as he emotes , which tosses it in d 'real feel'as t z served to us listeners!! Sing...sing...sing...talk ...talk...talk!!😊👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@The-Indian-Identity]

Love from India 🇮🇳 I wish to see him live ❤️❤️

[@ehteshammahmood4938]

He's supernatural all i feel to say about him, i mean would really love to hear him describing music, ghazals and his musics and songs forever, listening to him since 6 months makes me kind of feel gud that i discovered this great artist before anyone can around me.

[@aviralsrivastava5214]

Found his first song in march 2020 (first covid lockdown), since then he's my top played artist.

[@liyabhaumik7500]

One of the best interviews I have watched. If an interviewer and interviewee are made for each other it’s them. Each question so well crafted and each answer so well thought and articulated . I didn’t know even interviews could make your day!

[@ashimawahal]

I LOVE ALI SO MUCH!!!!! The way he described how he sees the notes in his head or "music google map", I GET IT COMPLETELY!!!!! This is my top favourite interview of all times!!!! So captivating, insightful and fun. Kudos to Haroon as well for asking such great questions.

[@amitasharma8241]

My beloved father was a rebel and a ghazal lover. This interview just explained the connection between the two. Thank you!

[@samieghauri4094]

Very interesting interview and more like a "discovery" and "dialogue" between two people who knew what they were talking about. Ali is clearly a humble man. When Haroon started making comments and asking questions on his clothes, he handled it with such grace.

[@VidishaBarwal]

Wonderful Ali Aziz Sethi!

[@oli.chatterjee]

lovely interview, deep questions and such thoughtful answers

[@anwar_h9329]

Ali's is the hope when it comes to ghazal as genre ..ghazal is in safe hand .♥️

[@nusratfatima4953]

Wow wow what an interview 👏 *Ali Sethi* You are a precious musical gem in this era and I feel lucky enough to witness your wonderful music . Love you, your music and fashion whatever you are.❤️

[@saniaf258]

Anyone who wants to continue this list, please do. Artists/Bands that deserve more international audience: Bayaan (Band) Kashmir (Band) Auj (Band) Ali Aftab Saeed Tajdar Junaid Shamoon Ismail

[@basitali9583]

ASRAR.

[@zarnaabaswad7617]

The Sketches

[@helmet212]

A brilliant musician with the absolutely great articulation of thoughts, concepts and most importantly our history.

[@reemakapoor805]

Only dy b4 i googled for d lyrics of chan kitthan.....saved translation......sch a beautiful....soulful....rom.....rendition!! M happy i heard ur version Ali!!

[@apala09]

Ali Sethi बड़ी आसानी से बेहद खूबसूरत बातें कर देते हैं । शुक्रिया इतने सरल और ‌सुदंर interview के लिए।

[@navneetbal5549]

A like for Haroon Rashid's questions...well done 👍

[@lalarukh6586]

Such an incredible interview. Love Ali Sethi’s music and the way he has revived the ghazal genre. 👏🏻

[@sagarkanojia]

Both of them are amazing in their work💯

[@anwar_h9329]

I really liked his perspective of melody as different and having an emotive existence of its own from the words and lines ...this is how now i can reconcile and will answer my friends how at the age of 11 i fell in love with ghazal becoz for me it was the melody the ragasque the notes tht made me love it ...still my understanding of urdu poetry and words is poor but still it's the melody of ghazal that make me feel different emotion all time ..thanks Ali sethi 😍

[@shruticyrus5153]

Same same...m addicted to him. Amazing GOD GIFTED. M SO CONECTED TO GOD BECAUSE OF BEAUTIFUL MUSIC

[@shafaqsadozai256]

I have a feeling that a Professor was delivering his lecture and i was sitting in audience. Its really good to hear him sing but after this interview i can say will love to listen him talk

[@muhammadzafar2440]

Ali bhai....I am awestruck by the knowledge you possess about the musical history/culture of sub continent, evolution of music and the anatomy of musical instruments.

[@geetaiyer]

A fantastic interview...just discovered Ali Sethi a week ago in India. Can’t get enough of his music and how he expresses himself. Great questions and fascinating answers - the interview is like the music I have just fallen in love with.

[@Live_modestly]

I am a big fan of Ali Sethi from Morocco. Love Ghazal and Qawwali although I don't understand urdu. ❤❤

[@baberraza4231]

Listening to Ali talk sub-continent music ... he lives that music... his soul is that music... what a treat to be around in the same era of his musical creations...

[@shwetam144]

I could listen to Ali talk for hours literally💕

[@lakshmims5365]

This is beautiful and simply the result of genuine listening and responding!!!

[@aqibsuhail8388]

Oh my freakinggg God! I swear I have never seen and will probably never see a better interview than that. I love the fact that the main topic of this interview is Ali's art, his music. Absolutely bang on professional questions Haroon sir and how honestly they were answered❤️!

[@dambusterproductions]

I discovered him many years ago. He's a legend. Fantastic interview by Haroon.

[@ananyaa6664]

Could I do anything more than just like and comment to show how much I loved it????

[@SumanKumari-se9gg]

Prajnaa Ananyaa

[@hxfizax]

this interview was brilliant , the best one ive watched in the longest time

[@shamayalsyed5226]

He’s so eloquent ♥️

[@parthoganguly2147]

What a fine, edifying & delightful conversation. We slobber over Pakistani music fm. across the border in India. Bollywood was one way we discovered Pakistani artistes. Alas, that road's closed now. A big shout out to the KZbin channel Dream Journeys. An expat Pakistani gentleman periodically travels through the country recording the greats, purely as a labour of love. Have discovered & enjoyed much divine music thanks to this channel.

[@mjunaidsultann]

This is one of the best interview i have ever seen. So informative, serene and cool this whole thing is. Bravo...

[@104unity]

Beautiful analysis of a raag! He talks about music with such passion.

[@Saadooz2]

The man is taking forward the legacy of legendary music

[@numail9561]

Same I haven’t had enough!! Ali Sethi is incredible

[@binsalamat]

So soothing yet so deep.

[@varshanarendra565]

Took to ghazal through Ali Sethi. Such a lovely lovely voice!

[@prithvithegame]

what an awesome dude and as awesome conversation ! holy wow .

[@theresaronnie]

Oh god. The quality of his thinking shaped by the complexities of ghazal's linguistic thought interplay! I haven't heard such masterful dissection in a long time. Thank you Ali Sethi for representing so beautifully. Thankyou Haroon for your wonderfully thoughtful interview of our generation's maestro.

[@sulamangill9765]

Good to see you in bbc asia.... good singer having good band..... stay blessed..... with love.....☺

[@AnisChandio]

He is good at what he does or is doing and actually knows and he studied the music. Love You Ali dude. One of the finest interview on this Channel. Thanks for this

[@arsalaqureishi7021]

My Favorite Singer from the Subcontinent, and I’m from India! Thank you for reviving the lost art of Ghazal, one of the most nuanced form of singing and expression!

[@ruchikachauhan9697]

Love his work!

[@yashsandiya]

He's a Legend. No cap ❤️

[@QissaTheBand]

Watching the chunk from 28:18-29:10 for the hundredth time I think, and I now know what's missing, thanks for this interview guys ❤️

[@monecasehgal7738]

Simple..Deep yet Clear prespective towards music. Thankyou Ali Sethi for making this particular genre of music interesting..joyful..to listen. I never thought a person like me would ever have the patience to listen gazals regardless its beautiful lyrics. Thankyou for experimenting and putting your colourful taste and mindset in this poetic genre and made its music vast..groovy and audible for the people like me,if there is any.. ❤

[@yaish9547]

What fun ,fast paced great to and fro of questions and answers . Awesome conversation ! btw there are many others who are miles better than Asim Azhar though , I dont get why he gets to be on same league with Ali Sethi .

[@user-gn2pq7jp3o]

I can listen to him all day and not get bored omg this guy

[@ConnectHappiness]

HAROON BRO THANKS FOR ARRANGING THIS LOVELY CONVERSATION.

[@saramustafa6638]

Ali Sethi is one of the best singer of Pakistan

[@reemakapoor805]

Sch an audio treat Mr.Haroon !! Impressive !!

[@divyanshujain7785]

nobody gives back handed self compliments like Ali

[@hafsaakhtar7232]

Ali sethi is deep down a Pakistani first

[@aumonshona]

@@hafsaakhtar7232 That's his American education, I'd assume...

[@twenty2672]

Lovely interview! Please have a part 2 :)

[@user-fk8md4jn3i]

Ali sethi is a musical legend.PERIODT

[@hxfizax]

i could listen to him all day ALL DAY

[@ankursethi9622]

Lovely talk!!

[@vachua]

I can listen for hours, as good as his music!

[@farihaarmin8500]

Absolutely worth to watch this interview... Ali sethi is really a highly intelectual artist! world needs more like the way Ali thought!

[@janicefrancis6244]

When your soul is pure, everything you produce is magic.

[@hsfoozy]

loved the interview....Ali sethi is so good and your questions were spot on ...a relief from the silly questions wts your fav color etc etc

[@smriti.pandey]

Very engaging interview!!! I love both Haroon and Ali, so this was truly fun to watch! ❤🎉

[@dil3038]

Wow... Someone with extreme talent, immense knowledge, and great articulacy. What a great interview, enjoyed and loved it, could hear you talk for ages! Compare this to an Imran Khan interview (singer) XD

[@peterpan4020]

what a best interview👍

[@arvindp551]

thank you Ali, thank you BBC...this was important.

[@twenty2672]

Awesome interview!

[@ConnectHappiness]

IT IS HIGHLY MUSICAL+ART & CULTURE+HISTORICAL CONVERSATION, ENJOYED A LOT. 💞 FROM PAKISTAN 😃😀😊😊

[@NA-bn9mn]

There is s much to learn from this interview..

[@xixad]

Excellent interview.

[@danishmir9725]

I love him, he is just too good❤❤

[@lIlBLANKlIl]

Saved to watch later not coz I haven't seen it but to watch it again n again and play and watch with my family and friends

[@rayeesgulzar3816]

😮😍⁦its feels like these are my words, i can relate to every blink of eye and movement of hands, love you @alisethi❤️

[@Duo.travel]

All time favvvv 💜🤭

[@Footballfeverrrrrrr]

Love from India ❤️

[@khizar8286]

I love you Ali. You are modern day Harvard of Ghazal

[@kainatalam9182]

I luv Ali Sethi's Music and he is good inspiration for me and for everyone his voice is amazing😇😍💚💛❤💜🤗😊👍🏻👌🏻🤩💯👈🏻

[@muhammadasifshahzad8714]

This man...... This man.

[@crossroadfashions6882]

Thank you Ali Sethi

[@rajeela1679]

What an interview, classic !

[@ahtishamali571]

Amazin conversation Ali bhai explaining the true facts about mahol we really need such kind of environment waoow time worthy ❤️❤️❤️