Lucky Ali says he is 'prepared' for death and travels with his Ihram as a burial cloth

Indian singer Lucky Ali has moved fans by speaking about death at a recent concert, saying he has made peace with the idea that "one day" he will have to go. He said he travels with his Ihram, the white garment worn during Islamic pilgrimage, which can also serve as a burial cloth.

The remarks come days before he is due to perform in Dubai on August 16. Many listeners who grew up with his music, and who link his songs to personal memories, said the comments struck a chord.

'I travel with my burial cloth'

Speaking to the audience, Lucky Ali said he was not trying to prepare his fans for his death. He said he was prepared himself.

"I know, I love you all too. One day we all have to go. I am not preparing you for it, but I am prepared actually."

He then explained that he carries his Ihram whenever he travels.

"Whenever I travel, I travel with my Ihram, which is my burial cloth; wherever I die, just let me go from there."

A man's Ihram traditionally consists of two unstitched white cloths: the izar, wrapped around the waist, and the rida, draped over the shoulders. It is commonly described as resembling the Islamic burial shroud, the kafan. Classical Islamic jurisprudence texts record that a pilgrim who dies in the state of ihram is shrouded in his ihram garments. They also note that the Hanafi and Maliki schools hold that death ends the state of ihram, and some scholars stress that the standard kafan remains sufficient.

Fans respond with emotion

Several fans shared messages after seeing a video of the moment. One said they had grown up listening to Lucky Ali and found it hard to hear him talk about death. Another praised him for carrying his faith with him and wished him a long and healthy life.

A third fan wrote about his influence on their childhood and musical journey, describing his voice as part of their memories and identity. The fan urged him to take care of himself, saying there was still "so much more music" and many more memories ahead.

From acting to music

Lucky Ali is the son of the late actor Mehmood Ali (1932–2004), a comic actor, director and producer who worked in more than 300 films over a career of more than four decades. Lucky Ali built a distinct identity through independent music in the 1990s.

His debut album, Sunoh, was released on 3 June 1996, with O Sanam as its lead single. The song is widely credited with launching his career. The album spent 60 weeks on the MTV Asia charts and won Best Pop Male Vocalist at the 1996 Screen Awards and the Channel V Viewers' Choice Award in 1997. Apple Music's profile says it helped move Indipop from synth-driven pop towards acoustic balladry.

He is also known for Ek Pal Ka Jeena and Safarnama, and has sung for films including Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Yuva, Anjaana Anjaani and Tamasha. His work on Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, whose soundtrack included Ek Pal Ka Jeena and Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 2001.

Before concentrating on music, Lucky Ali acted in films. He has said his father encouraged him towards acting, though he eventually decided that music was the career he wanted. He described that earlier period in a previous conversation with ANI:

"I was a 'Vela', a total 'Vela' before that. Good for nothing. That's what I was before I even became a musician. I couldn't keep a job because I wasn't cut out to have a job."

He also recalled growing up on a farm and learning about animal husbandry and horse breeding, which he said offered few professional opportunities in India at the time.

Why he stepped away from Bollywood

Lucky Ali has spoken before about distancing himself from Bollywood to pursue music independently. In an interview with Navbharat Times, cited by NDTV, he said he wanted to sing in his own style, and that O Sanam came out of that search for creative freedom. He has also spoken about working with filmmakers including Shyam Benegal and learning from actors such as Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi and Om Puri.

On AI-generated music

The singer has also commented on the growing use of artificial intelligence to recreate the voices of veteran singers. He said AI could replicate an artist's voice but not the "soul" of the original performer.

"An artist will always remain an artist. AI will always remain soulless."

Lucky Ali live in Dubai

Known for his soulful voice, poetic storytelling and timeless melodies, Lucky Ali has a lasting following built on songs including O Sanam, Ek Pal Ka Jeena, Na Tum Jaano Na Hum and Safarnama. The Dubai concert will feature these hits and fan favourites, offering longtime listeners and a newer generation of fans a chance to hear them live.

• When: August 16, 8pm
• Where: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai
• Tickets: From Dh125

The arena can be reached by metro on the Red Line to Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa Station, followed by a short walk.

With inputs from ANI