Item songs now are sub-standard .. Alka

"In the initial stage of my career, I might have considered singing these type of item numbers. But at this stage, I don't intend to. But, I have no problem with immense popularity of songs like 'Kajra re' or ' Beedi' says the veteran singer Alka in an interview to PTI.

"People still remember ' Ek do teen' and start dancing when they hear it. Whereas item songs today are short-lived. In the same way we don't have actresses like Madhuri Dixit or Sridevi. Husky and seductive voices are sought for new generation of actresses," she says.

Alka started her journey of success with ' Mere Angne me' , a super hit number from Amitabh Bachchan starer ' Lawaris' released in 1981. She has two national, seven Filmfare and two IIFA awards in her kitty.

She was considered the voice of then numero uno actress Madhuri and is an integral part of the super stardom of ' Dhak Dhak' girl. ' Apart from 'Tezaab', Qayamat se Qayamat tak',' Saajan', ' Beta',' Hum Tum' and ' Lagaan' are some of her musical blockbusters.

Her latest releases include Aishwarya Rai starrer ' Umrao Jaan' , remake of yesteryears classic. She denies that she was influenced by legendary Asha Bhonsle during the recordings.

I belong to Lataji's school of singing. I have more influence of Lataji in my singing than Ashaji. I owe my success to Lataji as I learnt a lot about playback singing by listening her songs," says Alka.

Alka made her entry in Bollywood in the era of Lata and Asha. In early 80s no other female singer could make her mark due to the stature and popularity of these veteran sisters.

Was it really difficult to survive? "This is all nonsense that Lataji and Ashaji had created any kind of monopoly. In fact they were very supportive and always encouraged new talents. I am also one of them," says the singer.

"I too always try to promote new singers," says Alka.

" Now my job is to search new talents and groom them. My priority is good voice and knowledge of ' sur' . I don't believe in dance based performance as you can always learn that," says the artist.

She does not feel insecure by the stiff competition from singers like Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal or Anushka. " I have the experience of more than 25 years now. One feels the heat of competition in initial stage but am established and very satisfied. " she says.

For the sake of mass appeal of the songs, the trend of avoiding classical music also hurts her. " This is a wrong notion that classical music has no mass appeal. In 50s and 60s we did have movies with strong classical music and people liked them," she says.

"Most Most of current music if fast, boring and substandard. I don't really enjoy and I don't want to change my style. But I am confident that melody will return." says Alka.

Copyright 2007 by MusicIndiaOnLine.com