What Did Uttam Singh Say About His Experience with Lata Mangeshkar?
Synopsis
Music composer Uttam Singh shares heartfelt reminiscences of his time with Lata Mangeshkar, whom he venerates as Goddess Saraswati. His insights into the industry’s reverence for her and his views on the trend of remaking classic songs shed light on the evolving landscape of Indian music.
Key Takeaways
Uttam Singh's reverence for Lata Mangeshkar .
His long-term collaboration spanning nearly 40 years .
The industry's desire to feature Lata ji's songs .
Concerns about the trend of remaking classic songs .
Acknowledgment of three prestigious awards in her honor .
Mumbai, Feb 5 (NationPress) Renowned music composer Uttam Singh, celebrated for his contributions to ‘Gadar’, has recounted his remarkable experiences with the legendary vocalist Lata Mangeshkar.
In an interview with IANS, he reflected on how the industry revered the late icon.
He expressed, “I have always viewed Lata ji as Goddess Saraswati. As artists, we revere Saraswati, and Lata ji embodied her spirit. I have been privileged to collaborate with her for nearly 40 years, starting around 1965-1966. Throughout my career, I arranged numerous songs with her. It’s worth noting that at one point, every producer, director, music director, writer, cameraman, actress, and actor aspired to have Lata ji sing for their films.”
He further elaborated, “This was a universal desire. When a film commenced, people would say, ‘Let’s have Lata ji's song.’ I consider myself incredibly lucky as a musician. My inaugural song was by Paintar Babu, featuring vocals from Lata ji and Mahendra Kapoor. If I have a total of 10 songs, then 8 of them are sung by Lata ji. I feel blessed by my Saraswati, who showered me with love. The award I am receiving today in her honor marks my third accolade. The first was from the Maharashtra government, the second from the MP government, and now this one.”
He also shared his thoughts on the trend of remaking classic songs for contemporary Hindi films, saying, “Despite the resurgence of older music, it is misleading to rely on these classics. It’s a mistake to recreate them when new songs are being composed.”
“The reason for this is the lack of depth, melody, and meaningful lyrics in current compositions. That’s why those old songs are revisited, enjoyed briefly, and then forgotten,” he added.
Point of View
I recognize Uttam Singh’s reflections as a heartfelt tribute to Lata Mangeshkar’s legacy. His comments on the industry's evolving trends are significant, highlighting the tension between classic and contemporary music. This narrative not only honors a legendary figure but also prompts an important dialogue about musical authenticity and the future of the arts.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Uttam Singh's perspective on Lata Mangeshkar?
Uttam Singh reveres Lata Mangeshkar as Goddess Saraswati and considers himself fortunate to have collaborated with her for nearly 40 years.
What awards has Uttam Singh received?
He has received three awards in the name of Lata Mangeshkar, including accolades from the Maharashtra and MP governments.
What does Uttam Singh think about remaking old songs?
He believes that remaking old songs is a mistake as it reflects a lack of depth in contemporary music.
When did Uttam Singh start working with Lata Mangeshkar?
He began collaborating with Lata Mangeshkar around 1965-1966.
