'After a point, the singer must seek and find his or her own song', Lata Mangeshkar's take on Ranu Mondal

Internet sensation Ranu Mondal became famous by singing legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar's iconic song 'Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai' from the film Shor. Her video went instantly viral on the Internet and she has been given a nationwide recognition. In a short span of time, Ranu appeared on several reality shows, got a makeover and also got her big Bollywood break. She has been roped in by Himesh Reshammiya to lend her voice in his upcoming film, Happy Hardy and Heer.

During an interaction with IANS, Lata Ji was asked about Ranu, to which she stated, "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 went on to say, "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."

Lata Ji further spoke about singing talents on reality shows. She said, "So many children sing my songs so beautifully. But how many of them are remembered after the first flush of success? I only know of Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal." 

When asked to give advice to aspiring singers, Lata Ji replied, "Be original. By all means, sing the evergreen songs by me and my colleagues. But after a point, the singer must seek and find his or her own song."

The legendary singer spoke about it by talking about her sister and singer Asha Bhosle. Lata Ji said, "If Asha (Bhosle) had not insisted on singing in her own style she would have remained in my shadow forever. She is the biggest example of how far individuality can take one’s talent to."