Forty-two is an unlikely age to debut as a playback singer in the Hindi film industry but Rashid Ali has become one of the most sought-after voices after his Kabhi Kabhi Aditi from Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na topped the charts last year.

However, the London-based singer is not rushing into Bollywood projects. Instead, Ali is currently working on an independent album under A R Rahman’s KM Musiq label, through which the Academy Award-winning composer wants to showcase fresh and unique talent.

“A R Rahman and I conceptualised the project last year, although we have known each other for nearly eight years now. The project is still being refined and it’s difficult for me to give out details at this stage,” says Ali.

All the tracks in the album, which yet remains untitled, are Ali’s own compositions and arrangements. The album has Ali on the guitar as well as on vocals.

The reticent singer feels he has much to thank Rahman for. “I first met AR in the UK and I guess he appreciated my talent the first time he heard me sing and play the guitar. I have since worked with him and was part of the Bombay Dreams project too.”

Ali, who was nominated for the Best Playback singer (Male) for the 15th Star Screen Awards for his debut song, was in Mumbai recently.