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Uttam Singh Calls Lata Mangeshkar "Living Saraswati," Slams Song Recreations

Music composer Uttam Singh, known for 'Gadar,' reflects on his four-decade collaboration with the late Lata Mangeshkar, whom he reveres as the living embodiment of Goddess Saraswati. He recounts an era where every film professional wished for Mangeshkar to sing in their movie, considering himself fortunate to have arranged many of her songs. Singh also receives his third award in Mangeshkar's name, following honors from the Maharashtra and MP governments. Additionally, he strongly criticizes the current Bollywood trend of recreating old songs, attributing it to a lack of depth, melody, and quality lyrics in new music.

Key Points: Uttam Singh on Lata Mangeshkar, Song Recreations

  • Uttam Singh worked with Lata Mangeshkar for 40 years
  • He calls her a "living Goddess Saraswati"
  • He criticizes recreations of old songs for new films
  • He says new songs lack depth, melody, and lyrics
2 min read

Uttam Singh shares his experience of working with Lata Mangeshkar, calls her Goddess Saraswati

Composer Uttam Singh shares 40-year experience with Lata Mangeshkar, calls her Goddess Saraswati, and criticizes the trend of recreating old Bollywood songs.

"I have always seen Lata ji as Goddess Saraswati... living Saraswati was only and only Lata ji. - Uttam Singh"

Mumbai, Feb 5

Music composer Uttam Singh, who is known for his work on 'Gadar', has shared his experience of working with the late singing legend Lata Mangeshkar.

The music composer spoke with IANS, and shared how the industry treated the late singing legend.

He told IANS, "I have always seen Lata ji as Goddess Saraswati. We worship Saraswati because we belong to the arts. And living Saraswati was only and only Lata ji. I have worked with her for almost 40 years since I started playing around 1965-1966. I kept working with her. And I have arranged many songs with her. Here I would like to tell you one thing, that there was a time, when producers, directors, music directors, writers, cameramen, actresses, actors, everyone had a wish that Lata ji should sing in our film".

He further mentioned, "This was everyone's wish. When the film started, people used to say, 'Just sing Lata ji's song'. I said this because I am a very fortunate musician. My first song was of Paintar Babu, sung by Lata ji and Mahendra Kapoor. And maximum songs, if I have 10 songs, then 8 of them are of Lata ji. So, I was a very fortunate musician. So, it was a great blessing of my Saraswati, who gave me a lot of love. And today, the award I am receiving in her name, this is the third award for me. The first award in the name of Lata ji was of the Maharashtra government, the second award was of the MP government, and the third award is being given today".

He also spoke about the trend of recreating old songs for Hindi films, as he said, "Look, the old music is still going on. Today, no matter how big films are getting hit, old songs are being taken. So, first of all, this is a very wrong thing. That you are making films with old songs because new songs are being created".

"Why are they not being said? Because there is no depth. Because there is no melody, because there is no music, because there are no lyrics. That's why those songs come, get danced and go", he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
He's spot on about the recreation trend. It's lazy filmmaking. Instead of investing in new composers and lyricists, they just remix an old hit for guaranteed views. Where is the original music? Lata ji's era valued creativity.
A
Aditya G
Listening to this makes me emotional. My grandfather used to say the same thing - that getting Lata Mangeshkar to sing was the ultimate stamp of success for a film. Her legacy is timeless. We need to teach the younger generation about such icons.
S
Sarah B
While I respect his views and Lata Mangeshkar's incredible contribution, I feel we shouldn't completely dismiss new music. Every era has its sound. Some of today's indie artists are creating beautiful, meaningful work too. We can cherish the old while supporting the new.
K
Karthik V
"Because there is no depth. Because there is no melody..." This line hit hard. It's not just about music, it's about the feeling it evokes. Lata ji's voice could make you cry or smile without even understanding the words. That's the magic we've lost.
N
Nisha Z
So true! Today's songs are just about beats and dance steps. They come and go in weeks. But Lata ji's songs from 50-60 years ago are still played in every Indian household during festivals and weddings. That's the difference between a trend and a legacy.

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