Music

Lataji defines sound of Indian music: Shankar Mahadevan

Soumya Vajpayee, Hindustan Times
January 31, 2013

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First Published: 16:35 IST(31/1/2013)
Last Updated: 18:23 IST(31/1/2013)

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Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar.

Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan talks about his first working experience with the legendary singer. As an artiste, you always wish to share the stage with the most established performers of the field. Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan got an opportunity to turn this wish into

reality, when he recently recorded with singer Lata Mangeshkar for the first album of her music label that launched this month.

“Lataji defines the sound of Indian music and I always had a secret desire of recording with her at least once. But since she isn’t recording much now, I lost all hope. This opportunity is like a dream come true. I was fortunate enough to work with her in the first album of LM Music,” says Mahadevan.

The album is titled Har Har Mahadev. “The album comprises devotional songs on lord Shiva,” says Mangeshkar, adding, “Working with Shankarji was an honour indeed. He’s a very noble and dedicated person and is very close to my heart.”

Talking about his first ever recording experience with Mangeshkar, Mahadevan says, “I’ve recorded a beautiful aarti (devotional song) with her. Aartis and spiritual songs never get dated. I consider this album as a very important part of my life. Lataji and I are also planning to collaborate in the future for some non-film work.”

Though this is the first time they have worked together, the artistes share a special relationship with each other. “Shankarji used to come and meet me whenever I remembered him,” recalls Mangeshkar. Mahadevan’s most beautiful memory with the singer was at a concert. “I sang ‘Maa’, from the film Taare Zameen Par (2007). Lata ji came up to bless me and appreciated
the song. That moment is very close to my heart. It surprises me how she’s still so humorous and charming.”