Ali Sethi Biography

Ali Aziz Sethi, known professionally as Ali Sethi, is a multifaceted artist excelling as both a writer and a singer. Born on 2 July 1984 (Monday), he made his literary debut with the novel “The Wish Maker” in 2009.

Ali Sethi Height, Age, Husband, Family, Biography & More

Transitioning to music, he made his film debut with the song “Dil Jalanay Ki Baat Karte Ho” for the 2012 film “The Reluctant Fundamentalist.” Sethi’s diverse talents have earned him recognition in both the literary and musical realms, showcasing his versatility and creativity.

Early Life

Ali Sethi’s early life was deeply influenced by his mother, who introduced him to a variety of South Asian music genres, including ghazals, folk music, and classical Indian music. His musical interests broadened during his teenage years, embracing Lahore’s Sufi music scene, Bollywood songs, and Western pop music.

In 1999, at the age of 15, Ali witnessed his father’s arrest, leading him and his mother to campaign for his release. His academic journey shifted from Economics to South Asian Studies at Harvard University, where he wrote his thesis on Anarkali, further enriching his cultural and artistic perspective.

Education

Ali Sethi attended the International School of Choueifat and Aitchison College in Lahore before graduating from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He holds a graduate degree from Harvard.

Age

Ali Sethi was born on 2 July 1984 (Monday) in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, making him 40 years old as of 2024. His zodiac sign is Cancer, and he holds Pakistani nationality.

Physical Stats

Ali Sethi’s height is approximately 185 cm (1.85 m or 6′ 1″) and he weighs around 80 kg (176 lbs). He has black eyes and black hair.

Wife

Sethi openly identifies as queer and is in a relationship with New York-based Pakistani-American painter Salman Toor. Despite rumors circulating on social media about their marriage in August 2023, Sethi clarified that he is not married. He holds dual citizenship of Pakistan and the United States and resides in Manhattan, New York.

Family

Ali Sethi’s parents are journalist Najam Sethi and columnist/host Jugnu Mohsin. He has one sister, Mira Sethi, an actress and journalist, and his maternal aunt is British-Pakistani writer Moni Mohsin.

Ali Sethi Father Najam Sethi

Ali Sethi Mother Jugnu Mohsin

Ali Sethi Sister Mira Sethi

Ali Sethi with his Wife

Career

Ali Sethi’s career is marked by his multifaceted talents as a Pakistani music artist, writer, and cultural advocate. Rising to prominence with his hit songs and acclaimed novel, he has become a prominent figure in both the literary and music scenes of Pakistan. His musical journey includes collaborations with renowned artists, contributions to Coke Studio Pakistan, and worldwide recognition with his song “Pasoori.” Sethi’s writings, featured in prominent publications, advocate for an inclusive Pakistan.

Filmography

Television

Award List

Net Worth

Ali Sethi’s approximate net worth is $116,000.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Ali Sethi

• Ali Sethi is a Pakistani music artist and writer. His hit songs and a well-received novel have earned him acclaim.
• In 2009, Ali Sethi released his debut novel titled ‘The Wish Maker,’ addressing themes of Pakistani identity and middle-class life.
• He penned this novel over three years, starting with the first draft at Harvard University in 2006 and continuing in New York, USA, and Lahore, Pakistan. Reviewers lauded the book for its unique storyline and emotional portrayal. The novel’s success led to its translation into several languages, such as Italian, Dutch, German, Hindi, Chinese, and Turkish.
• In an interview, Ali Sethi revealed that his mother played a significant role in sparking his interest in music during his childhood.
• During his teenage years, his musical interests expanded to include various genres. He was captivated by Lahore’s Sufi music scene, as well as Bollywood songs, especially those created by R. D. Burman and written by Gulzar.
• In the beginning, he intended to study Economics for his graduation; however, his academic path shifted after taking a course on Islamic culture in contemporary societies taught by Ali Sultaan Asani, a Kenyan-American scholar.
• He has contributed essays and articles to prominent newspapers and publications, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Guardian, The New York Review of Books, and The Caravan.
• He marked his entry into Coke Studio Pakistan’s 8th season in 2015 with a rendition of Asad Amanat Ali Khan’s folk song, ‘Umran Langiyaan.’ He continued to contribute to various seasons of Coke Studio, collaborating on songs like ‘Aaqa’ with Abida Parveen, ‘Tinak Dhin’ with Ali Hamza and Waqar Ahsin, as well as renditions of ‘Ranjish Hi Sahi’ and ‘Gulon Main Rang.’

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