Quotes of All Topics . Occasions . Authors
I have always been rebellious, but that is because I've wanted to do different things, try out new things.
Hindi film music has always been completely driven by the plot. We singers never had any say in compositions.
I have brought up my kids single-handedly. So a strenuous routine is something I thrive on, not shy away from.
Let children come across good as well as bad things. MTV is unnecessarily criticised for dishing out obscenity.
I can understand my popularity with the Indian diaspora, but I do get surprised when non-Indians recognise my music.
I love to cook, and both Pancham and Gulzarbhai loved to eat. Gulzarbhai loves my karela ghosht and my Bengali kheer.
People forget how the same children brought up with affection, effort, and love are the ones who later kick their parents.
I have sung in over 20 different languages and enjoyed it. I have even sung in foreign languages like Spanish and Russian.
I have been singing since childhood and, over the years, sang songs from different languages from India and across the globe.
In the studio, you can redo things. In concert, you only have one shot at it, so you have to try to be as perfect as possible.
Music has given me great solace in my times of hardship. It has also brought me fame and wealth, and I owe everything to music.
There is a gap between the heart and brain - that is where the soundbox lies. Some sing from their heart; others use their brain.
The music industry is an unforgiving place, and it shall unceremoniously show you the door if you can't perform to high standards.
When you don't know how to pronounce words, when you don't know the meaning of the words, how will you imbibe a song with feeling?
I prefer selective memories. Some songs and some co-workers are all that I want to remember, as memories are not always so pleasant.
I always enjoyed singing and working with the late Kishore Kumar. He was a legendary playback singer, an actor, and a producer/director.
I used to like Mukeshji very much because his Hindi was excellent. It was very clear, and his pronunciation was excellent. No one could match that.
Every day of my life has been a challenge - from singing a song that is not my type to being asked suddenly to sing a classical song with no practice.
Most of my colleagues have been insulated in Indian music alone - they did not think of the world beyond what they knew - but I always did and still do.
My rebellion has always been positive and connected with my work. That's how I've sung in foreign languages and collaborated with international artistes.
I have sung as many as 6,000 songs of various hues, be they classical, pop or folk songs. I have even performed free of charge for the Maharashtra government.
I enjoy keeping busy, and fortunately for me, there's a large audience out there who are keen to hear me sing. It's their love and affection that keep me going.
You cannot enter a studio and just start crooning before the mike. It is essential to understand the mind of the composer, mood of the song, and meter of the tune.
Many policemen have not completed their education, and the university can help them on this front. Education will enable them to speak well and politely to the people.
I went to London in the '70s and also visited Madame Tussauds there. At that time, the only Indian figure that was exhibited there was of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's.
With a live audience, if you sing with the right feeling, the response you get is a high, an excitement. There's nothing in the studio that can give you anything quite like that.
I was approached for acting roles when I was young. I had said that I look into the mirror every day and don't think my face suits for the big screen. So I will not do the films.
I've enjoyed my life. There has been great tragedy but also moments of great happiness. I've taken both in my stride, and if I were to replay my life, I would do it all over again.
I was too naive when I started out. It was hard to understand the workings of the industry. But rejection and ridicule pushed me to discover my individuality. I wanted success on my terms.
Those who are not trained singers will find that their voice quavers. That should not happen. The quaver should be used only where necessary and not because a singer cannot hold a note or a tune.
If a biopic is ever made on me, Priyanka Chopra will be able to do justice to my character. She is not only talented, but I also like the way she conducts herself. I am happy that she is making her presence felt in Hollywood.
I performed six concerts all over the U.S.S.R. during the time of Gorbachev. The entire audience was Russian. There were no Indians. Period. The audience turned out in large numbers and gave standing ovations to all my songs. They knew each song. That was an amazing experience.