Asha Bhonsle, I have always maintained, is the signer with the maximum versatility in Hindi films. She could sing (and still can) every kind of song: classical, romantic, sad, bhajan, ghazal, cabaret, everything. I don't think even I can sing as wide a range of songs as she can. I haven't tried either. Asha, like me, had the advantage of a solid grounding in music from our father. She's worked very hard at her music subsequently, which is why she's succeeded so much, and is popular even today.
In response to my comment that Asha may be more versatile, but Lata's voice has a spiritual quality that transcends the lyric of the song often:
If I do have that spiritual quality to my singing, it is because I am a god-fearing person, and I have never forgotten that it is His blessings that have given me so much. I have never tried to 'create' a spiritual effect. It can't be done as a technique. It has to come from within, naturally. In the earlier days, often while recording a song, I'd feel a benign presence beside me.
When asked about the impressions of rivalry between her and Asha
It is sheer nonsense. What rivalry can I have with Asha? She's my sister, a part of my household. This talk of competition and enmity between us is a myth, generated by those who are envious of my success and hers. If there were really any truth to it, would we have lived on the same floor all these years? My flat is connected to hers through a passage inside. She visits me often and I visit her as often. If I have achieved much name and fame for my style of singing, she too has achieved as much for her own style. Most importantly, I don't believe anyone else can spoil your chances, or take away what is due to you. It is a ridiculous thought that I could spoil anyone's career or he or she, mine.
To buy the book at the Rediff Shopping, click here!
Advertisement
