I’m famous for singing haunted songs –
Lata Mangeshkar
On the occasion of Lata Mangeshkar’s 80th Birthday, the one of the largest music company Saregama launched an album which compiled a new collection of 8 CDs of her most resonant songs in order to pay tribute to this living legend. Each CD has select chartbuster songs through her career (40’s – 2000’s). We had a special chat with the living legend and discussed about her journey through all these years. It also contains Lataji’s rare photographs through the decades. The collection Apart from the photographs also contains a write-up personally written by Yash Chopra for Didi along with their photograph together. On this prestigious occasion she interacted with media and shared her views, her experience and what she feels about her contribution to music arena, the country. Foremost to anything, lets wish her many many happy returns of the day and this coming year, brings more wishes and happiness for beloved Latadi.
- How does it feel turning 80?
-Anybody will feel good but now that I’m turning 80, I feel extremely great. It’s always a charm to age gracefully.
- How did you celebrate your birthday?
-I don’t celebrate my birthday. I don’t like cutting cakes. During my childhood, my mother use to prepare sweets at home and use to apply tilak. I still love this simple way of celebration.
- Has Saregama compilled this album to bring together best of your melodies together. So on what basis have you selected the songs?
-We selected those songs, which always topped the list of Ameen Sayani’s famous radio programme ‘Geetmala ki chhaon mein’.
- This album also consists of few words of praise and regards from veteran Yash Chopra. What you have to say about it?
-We share integral relationship of brother and sister. I have worked with him several times and he has been my one of the favorite directors. Coincidently, his birthday is on 27th and mine is on the very next day on 28th.
- Do you think any milestone is left to be achieved or have you missed out on anything that you regret?
Whatever I achieved is by God’s grace. I’m completely satisfied and content with my life and career. I want to continue singing for the rest of my life.
- When you started your singing career, people use to say that you have very sleek and thin voice.
-Yes, I do have thin voice. But my first song was for an actress whose voice was very upright and strong.
- Nur Jahan had lots of influence on your singing style in your starting days. Elaborate.
-Yes, because I use to love her and admire her immensely. I use to try and sing few words like she did. But, latter I discovered my own style of singing and the credit goes to music composers of that time.
- You’ve become very selective about the type of songs you choose in the industry now? What kind of songs do you prefer?
I’m open to all kinds of songs but the only thing I look for is the lyrics. The lyrics have to be meaningful. I would like the producers and the directors to approach with soulful and meaningful tracks.
- There has been only one “Lata” from past so many decades. Do you think reality shows can accomplish another singing talent like you?
Reality shows these days are all about singing, dancing, performing and latest fashion. New singing stars have potential but they concentrate more on overall performance rather than singing itself which is a total contradiction. Singing is a divine form of art and blending it with other art forms takes away the very soul of music. So it’s better if reality shows concentrate purely on the talent of singing and music.
- To believe you have even acted?
-Yes, I did. But, trust me I don’t like to be in front of camera and do make-up.
- You had a stint in Rajya Sabha – how was the experience in juggling between politics and music?
You all are aware about my experience in Rajya Sabha. But I feel that anyone can get into politics whether he is an artist or an ordinary man. He should have the feeling of patriotism and a devotion to work for the common man.
- Finally, tell us what kind of songs do you like to sing as well as listen to?
Well whenever a film used to come up with haunted, spooky songs, the composer always used to approach me. But I like soft romantic songs.
- Tell us something about A.R.Rehman.
-He is very talented music composer. He always grants opportunity to young talents to excel which is very appreciable. Even I have worked with him and he is indeed one of the god-gifted talent.
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