"People have heard my songs, and I have been in the industry for long. But they have not seen me much. I had been wanting to do a reality show for long so that people start recognising me by face. When 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs' was offered to me, I jumped at it, " said Ali.
Dressed in a jazzy orange and black shirt at the press conference of the show here Tuesday night, Ali said there couldn't have been a better opportunity.
"The credibility of this show cannot be questioned. It is one of the best we have...and I knew there couldn't have been a better chance for me. So I didn't have to think twice about it, " he said.
Ali, who has also sung popular number "Ek din teri raahon mein", will share the judges' panel with known names like Kailash Kher and Adnan Sami. Seasoned singer Alka Yagnik is the 'mahaguru' on the show, but Ali is not insecure.
He says he is amazed at the kind of talent children have in India.
"When I was their age, around five years old, I couldn't even speak properly. These children are so focused, so talented, they know their songs by heart and with complete rhythm. It is really a great thing and I am looking forward to mentor them and guide them in the best way I can, " he said.