Pop music culture never existed in India: Lucky Ali

New Delhi: He burst onto the Indi-pop scene with the soulful album `Sunoh` which established him as singer in the late nineties, but Lucky Ali feels that India does not have a pop music culture.

"India never really had a pop music culture. The remixes and everything - they were just a phenomena. It is a Western concept. I was never a part of that culture. Our country makes alternative music. I came with alternative sounds and I experimented with sounds that I liked. I don`t represent any such culture," Lucky told reporters. The 52-year-old actor-singer, who has carved a niche for himself with his ballad-style of singing, says his new album `Raasta Man` is a result of his own experiences as a nomad. Lucky hit a six in Bollywood playback singing with the songs `Na tum jaano na hum` and `Ik Pal Ka Jeena` in `Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai`. His latest album includes 11 songs. "`Raasta Man` is a sort of a mockumentary - the album depicts the emotional experiences of a common man, who is in search of love. The songs of the album were composed in different places like New Zealand, China, Mauritius, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, so that I get the real emotions," he said. The 52-year-old singer, who also starred in movies like `Kaante` and `Sur`, insists that acting is not his cup of tea. "Until I make my own cinema, I would not mind staying away from acting. I would rather like to spend my time making music than being in a studio in Mumbai and dying in heat. "Acting is tiring for me and music leaves me rejuvenated. But if there is a scope for some good roles then I would not hesitate," said Lucky, who is the son of famous Bollywood comedian, Mahmood. Lucky is unfazed by the fact that independent albums don`t generate much success in a country obsessed with Bollywood music. "I have never let such things bother me. I think they are climbable walls. When you do not work under such pressures and influences, you are more free. You are not answerable to anyone, except your conscience. "Its not about selling at the end of the day. Its about creative satisfaction. For artists like me, if the album stays for a while in the heart of my listeners, my job is done," said Lucky. On the recent trend of using cuss words in songs, Lucky said he would focus on his own genre than be a part of this new trend. "Someone else has sung such songs. Let them keep doing it. I would try to do what I do best," he said. With the release of his sixth album, Lucky also plans a 25 city road show, which is scheduled to start from September 2. PTI