'Music is not as soulful as it used to be'

'I came to the industry when Mangeshkars were working and had monopolised the scene. To break through that was a difficult task.'

Alka Yagnik goes back in time.

Not many know that Alka Yagnik spent her early years in Kolkata.

The celebrated singer opened up about her beginnings on the television show, Asian Paints Har Ghar Kucch Kehta Hai.

She gives more details to Rediff.com contributor Rajul Hegde:

I was born and brought up in Kolkata.

Shooting for Asian Paints Har Ghar Kucch Kehta Hai took me down memory lane.

First, I visited my school and the garden area where we would have lunch. Some of my classmates have become teachers there.

I also visited the house where I lived for many years. Though it is occupied by other people now, they were kind enough to let us shoot inside.

My brother joined me for an interview, and we spoke our childhood memories.

I went to the Kala Mandir auditorium where I have done a number of stage shows, from the age of 10.

I shifted to Mumbai in my early 20's.

Before that, I would visit Mumbai only during my vacations to record songs and then go back when my school reopened.

The journey was smooth, as my parents supported me throughout. 

I came to the industry when Mangeshkars were working and had monopolised the scene. To break through that was a difficult task. The Mangaskhers are an institution and I have learnt so much from them.

Laxmikanth-Payrelal, Kalyanji-Anandji, RD Burman and Khayyam are institutions and working with them was a learning process.

Today, music is not as soulful as it used to be. There is a lot of noise and too many gimmicks, more than melody and soul. I hope it will improve and return to melody.

My voice texture is such that it suits soft, melodious, romantic songs. I'm not comfortable with this phase of loud music.

If I get something that suits my voice, I will sing.

I am concentrating more on albums and concerts.