If I've hurt Ashaji, I apologise: Himesh

Singer-composer Himesh Reshammiya is baffled by the controversy his statement on the late R.D. Burman's singing style has created, saying "it was never my intention to insult Pancham-da".

Reshammiya allegedly accused the late singer of singing nasally. To this, Asha Bhosle had retorted: "If anyone says Burman-saab sang through his nose, he should be slapped."

"I don't know what has hit me. It was never my intention to insult Pancham-da (Burman)," Reshammiya told IANS.

"How can I, when I've grown up learning music composition from Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Pancham-da?

"During an event I was asked about my 36 hits in two years, and how did I answer charges of singing through my nose. To this I responded by saying Mukesh-saab, Pancham-da and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan-saab were never accused of singing nasally."

"I only wanted to prove a point. Now, I realise I made a mistake. I should've never brought in the names of these greats in my argument. It was a mistake," Reshammiya said.

About the diva's response, Reshammiya said: "I respect and admire Lata-ji (Lata Mangeshkar) and Asha-ji. To me they're the pillars of the music industry. If I've unintentionally hurt Asha-ji, I want to apologise profusely. My upbringing won't permit me to offend people who are far more distinguished and senior than I can ever be."