Suresh Wadkar influential, inspirational singer: Madhur Bhandarkar

Director Madhur Bhandarkar says that he is a big fan of noted singer Suresh Wadkar who he considers extremely influential and inspirational.

"I'm a big fan of Suresh Wadkarji I would like to convey my best wishes to him. I've been listening to his songs since so many years. There are several films like 'Prem Rog', 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili', 'Chandni', where he has sung such amazing songs. He's been such an influential and inspirational singer. His voice has a unique attraction," Bhandarkar said a get-together to celebrate Wadkar's birthday.

Numerous other celebrities like Shaan, Sonu Nigam, Sachin Pilgaonkar, and Hariharan were present there.

Shaan and Sonu Nigam sang praises about Wadkar whom they termed their guru.

Bhandarkar, who was without his "Calendar Girls" as he said some were busy with Lakme Fashion Week while some were out of town, said "Lagi Aaj Sawan Ki" from "Chandni" was his personal favourite song of Wadkar.

Wadkar is one of the most respected singers, having displayed his melodious voice for more than four decades in the industry. He's also worked with some of the best music directors of the country such as A.R. Rahman, Vishal Bhardwaj, Illayaraaja, Ravindra Jain, Laxmikant-Pyarelal and R.D. Burman among others.

His songs "Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le" from "Sadma" and "Aur Is Dil Mein Kya Rakha Hai" from "Imaandaar" among other songs are still remembered today.

He had recently sung the song "Do Jahaan" in Vishal Bhardwaj's "Haider". He also runs a music academy.