Almost every Indian woman from a certain era secretly craved to sing like Lata Mangeshkar. But no one could be like her. Recently there was the case of Ranu Mondal who sang herself into fame with Lataji's Ek pyar nagma hai.
Himesh Reshammiya even recorded a song with the lady, who was dazed by all the attention. The euphoria and praise soon got out of hand. When asked about Ranu Mondal Lataji had said, "Agar mere naam aur kaam se kissiko bhala hota hai toh main apne-aap ko khush-kismat samajhti hoon (If anyone gets benefited from my name and work then I feel fortunate).” She added, "But I also feel imitation is not a reliable and durable companion for success. By singing my songs or Kishoreda's (Kumar), or (Mohd) Rafi Saab's, or Mukesh Bhaiyya or Asha's (Bhosle) numbers, aspiring singers can get short-term attention. But it won't last.”
Now, Himesh has spoken about Lataji's comment at the song launch event of Teri Meri Kahani. He said, "I feel we have to see in which connotation Lata Ji has made that statement. I feel when you start copying another singer then it doesn't work that well. But I also feel that taking inspiration from someone else is really important." Singer Ranu was also present at the event.
Praising Ranu, Himesh said: "I feel Ranu Ji is born with certain kind of talent and she has been inspired by Lata Ji. I don't feel anybody can become a legend like Lata Ji. She is the best. Ranu Ji has started her own beautiful journey and I feel that people misunderstood Lata Ji's statement. I feel she told Ranu Ji that it's good to get inspired but you shouldn't copy anyone's voice and I don't feel that Ranu Ji has copied anyone's voice."
Ranu Mondal, who has now recorded three tracks for Himesh, became an overnight social media sensation after a video of her singing Lata Mangeshkar's soulful number Ek Pyaar ka Nagma Hai at Ranaghat railway platform went viral on the internet.
(Source: Zoom)
