It’s always a charm to age gracefully. I want to continue singing for the rest of my life

The Nightingale of India, our beloved Latadidi had turned 80, on the occasion of Lata Mangeshkar’s 80th Birthday, 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.

Idianmotionpictures 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 the gifted voice shared her views, her experience and what she feels about her contribution to music arena.

Excerpts

Q: How does it feel turning 80?
A: Anybody will feel good but now that I’m turning 80, I feel extremely great. It’s always a charm to age gracefully.

Q: How did you celebrate your birthday?
A: 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.

Q: Do you think any milestone is left to be achieved or have you missed out on anything that you regret?
A: 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.

Q: How far you are influence by Nur Jahan & her singing?
A: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: There has been only one “Lata” from past so many decades. Do you think reality shows can accomplish another singing talent like you?
A: 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.

Q: What kind of songs do you like to sing as well as listen to?
A: 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.

Q: This album also consists of few words of praise and regards from veteran Yash Chopra. What you have to say about it?
A: 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.

Q: You have even acted? How was the experience?
A: Yes, I did. But, trust me I don’t like to be in front of camera and do make-up.

Q: Has Saregama compiled this album to bring together best of your melodies together. On what basis have you selected the songs?
A: We selected those songs, which always topped the list of Ameen Sayani’s famous radio programme ‘Geetmala ki chhaon mein’.

Q: Latadidi is the nightingale of India & nowadays in music another god – gifted talent   A.R.Rehman is gaining new heights, what’s your say on A.R. Rahman?
A: I have worked with him and he is indeed one of the God-gifted talents. He always grants opportunity to young talents to excel which is very appreciable.