"I want to be of service"

His career in music may not be hitting the high note nor are his acting skills’ ringing in moolah at the box office, but Lucky Ali seems content with whatever life has to offer. Ask him what he is planning next, he says, “I just want to be of service in anyway,” he says. “Right now, I am working with Oxfam, an organisation that is working for the betterment of the environment,” he says.
“We hardly know that half of what we eat is loaded with pesticides that the farmers spray in their fields,” says Lucky. “Nobody seems to be aware of the threat environment faces today.” Lucky is a lover of farming as much as flying. “I have completed 45 hours of flying as a hobby pilot.”
His latest Bollywood offering, Kasak, hits theatres nationwide today. He will be seen sharing screen space with Pakistani heroine Meera. “Before you even ask, my relation with Meera was purely professional,” he says with a grin. “She is a very talented actor and will definitely go places,” he adds on a serious note.
For music fans waiting to hear his unconventional voice again, he says, “I don’t think I will be going through the whole process of auditioning for a new cassette. I love being criticised as long as it makes sense,” he emphasizes. “I have come across very few critics who actually say what they are saying. Others only keep talking. One of the critics said that in my last album, my voice sounded very tired and it was true. I appreciate that.”
He is in no hurry to launch his new songs. “I don’t know when to expect the next album myself. I just have to sit down an analyse the strange feeling that is passing through my mind or my heart.”
“I am full of tracks and songs, they just have to find a way of coming out.”
But this time, Lucky will ensure they are brought out in the unconventional style. “I have heard about itunes and other unconventional ways of bringing out my music. I will probably resorting to them but there is definitely no more running to producers,” he signs off.

Published in Hindustan Times Next on October 1, 2005