Before pursuing music as a career, Lucky Ali did various jobs to make a living.
We’ve all heard fascinating tales of people going to great lengths just to escape the career paths their families envisioned for them. Kishore Kumar's elder brother Ashok Kumar wanted him to be an actor, but Kishore, determined otherwise, shaved his head and even threatened to leave home. Lucky Ali’s story runs on a similar track. His father, the legendary comedian Mehmood, dreamed of seeing him on the silver screen. But Ali knew early on that acting wasn’t for him. In fact, he was so determined to carve his own path that he ventured into an entirely unexpected profession, carpet cleaning. Yes, you read that right. Before the soulful voice of “O Sanam” reached millions, Lucky Ali was scrubbing carpets to avoid the spotlight his father wanted for him. On his birthday today, let’s revisit this lesser-known chapter of his fascinating journey.
Ali not only cleaned carpets but also tried selling them in local markets. The venture, however, didn’t take off. He later admitted with disarming honesty, “Carpets used to bore me because I did not know how to sell. I knew how to buy but did not know how to sell. So, whatever I bought, I sold for a loss. Business was not for me.”
The failed stint didn’t discourage him and only reinforced his search for a calling that truly matched his spirit.
Ali often describes himself as a “wanderer,” and for good reason. His life has been an unconventional journey of odd jobs and experiments. For example:
Horse breeding, a nod to his love for open spaces and animals.
Working on an oil rig off Pondicherry, a physically demanding job, far removed from the glamour of showbiz.
What's important to acknowledge is that these diverse experiences shaped Ali’s worldview and lent a unique texture to his music, which has always carried an earthy honesty.
Today, Ali divides his time between music and farming. He calls himself a “full-time farmer” and manages an organic farm near Bengaluru, once owned by his father. And his farming journey reflects his philosophy of living close to nature. Ali also uses his platform to advocate for the welfare of Indian farmers and even co-founded initiatives to connect local producers directly with consumers, ensuring fair trade and reducing middleman exploitation.
Contrary to what many believe, Lucky Ali never received formal training in music. His passion for melodies began at the age of 13 when his second mother gifted him a guitar on his birthday. From that point, music became his most natural form of expression. He often describes himself as “besura” (tone-deaf) and admits he doesn’t do traditional riyaaz (practice). Instead, before performing, he simply offers a prayer and lets the music flow.
Happy Birthday, Ali!
