Not many know that Ghulam Ali makes it a point to visit Govinda’s bungalow in Juhu every time he is in Mumbai. It might even seem strange, because the ghazal maestro doesn’t really have too many friends in Bollywood.

But Chichi and Ali’s relationship goes back to his childhood. Govinda’s mother, the late Nirmala Devi , an accomplished classical singer herself, knew Ghulam Ali quite well. In fact, Ali says he has been a fan of Nirmala Devi’s singing.

Even after she passed away, the maestro has kept in touch with Govinda, who is a self-admitted fan of his. Now that Ghulam Ali will be in town for his solo concert ‘Tere Shehar Mein’ Govinda is hoping to catch up with him again.

He says, “Ghulam saab is too big a man for me to analyse him. He is a fantastic singer and I truly respect his art. Vo Urdu mausiki ke betaaj badshah hain. He is one of the few classical singers who truly deserve all the respect and admiration. I am really lucky that he takes time out to meet me and give me love. I am incredibly lucky to have been in touch with the top-most classical singers of the world, thanks to my mother. Ghulam Ali is one such great personality. I think the world should be proud of him. I will try and attend his concert,” he says.