Playback singer Anuradha Paudwal who is notable for her timeless songs like ‘Dhak Dhak Karne Laga’, ‘Dheere Dheere Se Meri Zindagi Mein Aana’, ‘Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin’, ‘Chaha Hai Tujhko’, ‘Mujhe Neend Na Aaye’ and ‘Nazar Ke Saamne’ looked back at her musical journey. In an exclusive email interview with indianexpress.com on the special moment of World Music Day, the Padma Shri awardee opened up about a lot of facts of the music industry. Let’s check out the interesting details of her interview.
Anuradha Paudwal said her journey has been deeply fulfilling and spiritual
Talking about the inception of her musical journey, “ my journey has been deeply fulfilling and spiritual. Each song I’ve sung, whether in movies or devotional, has been a form of worship for me. I believe music brings you closer to God.”
“I have loved music since I was five years old. My father was not very fond of music but my mother always encouraged me. Since she travelled a lot for work, I grew up with my devout aunt, who would take me to Ramakrishna Mission. The seeds for spirituality were sown there.” She continues, “Listening to Lata (Mangeshkar) ji’s vinyls, at a record store I worked at as a teenager, was my only training in music. Listening to the radio and Lata ji’s music instilled in me a deep sense of devotion and a profound love for music in me. I got married very early to Arun ji, who was a well-known musician in the industry, and worked with Sachin Dev Burman. I sang a small shloka for Abhimaan as a playback for Jaya Bhaduri and the rest is history.”
Moreover, she shared her views on the evolution of the Indian music industry. The singer noted, “the technological advancements, from analog recordings to digital production, have been remarkable. The digital age has brought about greater accessibility and reach. However, the essence of music, its ability to touch the soul, should never be compromised. The spiritual connection that music fosters is timeless and should remain the focal point, irrespective of the era. Maintaining integrity should be the key for any musician.”
She continues, “I also find artificial intelligence (AI) making its way into the music industry fascinating. It is essential to approach this technology cautiously. Autotune and other AI-based tools should enhance the natural beauty of a singer’s voice, not replace the human element that gives music its soul. As we embrace these advancements, we must ensure that the spirit and spirituality of music are preserved.”
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