Mumbai, February 4: Renowned Indian music director and violinist Uttam Singh has been awarded the prestigious Lata Mangeshkar Golden Heritage Award. This honor is traditionally presented on February 6, the death anniversary of the legendary singer, but this year’s ceremony will take place on February 7 in Raipur. On this occasion, Uttam Singh shared his thoughts on Lata Mangeshkar’s contributions and his experiences working with her.
In an interview, Uttam Singh expressed, “For me, Lata Ji was not just a singer; she was like the goddess Saraswati. The reverence artists had for her and the divinity of her music were evident in her presence. I worked with Lata Mangeshkar for nearly 40 years, arranging many songs. During that time, every singer, musician, director, and actor aspired to have a song by Lata Mangeshkar in their film.”
He also reminisced about his early career, stating, “My first song, ‘Kab Tak Shama Jali,’ was sung by Lata Ji and Mahendra Kapoor for the 1983 film ‘Painter Babu.’ Out of the ten songs I composed, nearly eight featured Lata Mangeshkar’s voice. It is a privilege for me. This honor and award in my life are a result of Saraswati’s grace.”
Uttam Singh noted that this Golden Heritage Award marks his third accolade, following awards from the Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh governments.
He further discussed the unique qualities of Lata Mangeshkar’s voice, saying, “Her voice had a sweetness and emotion that seemed divine. When she spoke, her voice was sweet, and when she sang, the joy was amplified. Lata Ji’s voice and her music will always remain alive in this world. As long as music exists, Lata Mangeshkar’s name will be etched in golden letters and remembered by future generations.”
