Can Mangeshkar: imitation is not art

Almost all Indian women of a certain era secretly yearned to sing as Mangeshkar can . But not everyone can be Mangeshkar can . There is only one.

Recently there was the case of Ranu Mondal which became famous with Lataji's 'Ek pyar nagma hai' of penury and anonymity.

Himesh Reshamiyya even recorded a song with the lady, who was stunned by all the attention. Euphoria and praise soon got out of control. The rumors were amplified.

There were reports that Salman Khan He had bought a 50 lakh house from Ronu Mondal and offered him the opportunity to sing in 'Dabangg 3'.

Deeply embarrassed, Salman issued a refusal about his generous generosity.

When I tell Lataji about Ranu Mondal's experience, Asia's resident Nightingale expresses happiness but with reservations.

Agar mere naam aur kaam se kissiko bhala hota hai toh main apne-aap ko khush-kismat samajhti hoon (If someone benefits from my name and work, then I feel lucky).

But I also feel that imitation is not a reliable and lasting companion for success. By singing my songs or those of Kishoreda (Kumar), or (Mohd) Rafi Saab, or Mukesh Bhaiyya or Asha (Bhosle), aspiring singers can get short-term attention.

But it won't last, said Lataji, on the cusp of the 90s.

She feels a great concern for talent in television music programs. Many children sing my songs so beautifully. But how many of them are remembered after the first success? I only know about Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghosal.

Lataji's advice to aspiring singers: Be original. Of course, he sings the perennial songs of my colleagues and me. But after a moment, the singer must search and find his own song.

Lataji gives the example of his own sister. If Asha (Bhosle) had not insisted on singing with her own style, she would have remained in my shadow forever. It is the greatest example of how far individuality can lead talent.