A brief history of Ali Sethi's rather literary background, and one would cross him as the most unlikely candidate in the contemporary classical music scene. Instead, armed with a degree in South Asian Studies from Harvard and a keen interest in history, sociology and literature, Sethi found comfort in listening to semi-classical folk and traditional music from Pakistan during the time he spent in America while completing his education. Ironically launched himself as a singer around the same time by performing the classic, 'Aaj Jaanay Ki Zidd Na Karo' for the first time in 2005 for an audience at Harvard.

Realizing his passion for the genre, and to further add to his knowledge of classical nuances, he started formal training with Ustad Naseeruddin Saami and has been his disciple since 2008. Sethi's original track, 'Dil Jalanay Ki Baat' was featured in Mira Nair's film, Reluctant Fundamentalist in 2013.

Ali Sethi's debut in Coke Studio, Season 8, will work as a bridge for the divide between the traditional sound and how he beautifully works within the space to improvise an old classic tune and makes it feel fresh.