Vijay Ganguly on Lata Mangeshkar: My dad would say she justifies every song

Picture Courtesy: Mid-day Archives

My father [late Anil Ganguly] made 21 films in the capacity of a director and producer, and right from Kora Kagaz in 1974 till 1993, he had Lata ji sing in each of his films. As kids, Rupali [TV actor and his sister] and I would go to her recordings and simply sit there and watch her. At the time, all musicians would come together to record, and practice sessions preceded recording sessions. For the two of us, it was like attending her live concert.

The aura and personality she had was unparalleled. When she would walk in, her persona would [grab everyone's attention]. She was so soft-spoken. The picture I have was during the filming of Dil Ki Baazi, with [composer] Raam Laxman. Lata ji was very fond of him.

My dad would say that she was a singer who always justified every song. Unless it was an out-an-out disco track, or something that wasn't [worth offering her], she was someone who sang every kind of song.

The music of the time was different. We have also witnessed Kishore Kumar singing live, and at the time there was rawness in music. There was no auto-tuning, so only real talent shone. That's why singers of that era are still celebrated.