Veteran playback singer Udit Narayan has long been a voice synonymous with some of Hindi cinema’s most enduring melodies. But behind the timeless songs lies a journey shaped as much by quiet resilience as by success.
Reflecting candidly on a career spanning nearly five decades, the singer opts for composure over controversy, choosing instead to highlight the discipline and mindset that have carried him through the industry’s many highs and lows.‘I am a farmer’s son… from khetiwadi I came to Mumbai’For Narayan, staying grounded has been central to his longevity. Speaking about industry politics and favouritism, he says, “Politics has always been there in the music industry, but I never paid attention. I only wanted to focus on my work.” Reflecting on his early days, he adds, “I started my career with a Mohammed Rafi song. I was a farmer’s son. There was no name, no fame. It was all a struggle.
We had to keep moving forward. If I have worked for 47 years, it is because I focused on my goals.” ‘My songs were dubbed by other singers’His path, however, was not without setbacks. He recalls instances when his recorded songs were replaced. “Even after singing well, I was replaced in many films. My songs were dubbed by other singers — sometimes by my favourite actors and music directors. I would not like to name anyone or bring anyone down.
Some of the iconic songs of my career like Jadoo Teri Nazar and Pehla Nasha, which the current generation even today sings in shows, did not get enough recognition.
It is painful and sad, but if I kept thinking about it, I wouldn’t be able to move ahead,” he says, adding, “I chose to keep walking, like an elephant — steady and focused.”‘Most of my songs have been remixed’Despite past disappointments, he takes pride in the continued relevance of his music.
“All my songs are being remixed — Tip Tip Barsa Pani (Mohra), Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast (Mohra), Hum Dono Hai Alag Alag (Main Khiladi Tu Anari). I even re-recorded songs for Gadar 2 after 21 years. This is an achievement,” he says, highlighting how his voice continues to reach newer audiences.Looking back, he credits his endurance to a steadfast focus and an ability to rise above distractions. “I have always followed the line ‘har fikr ko dhuaan mein udaata chala gaya’. If you want to go far, your focus should be like Arjun in Mahabharat,” he says. BOX‘Aditya is going at a good pace’On his son Aditya Narayan’s career, the singer says, “He is doing very well. As an anchor, he is number one. As a singer, he still has time — at his age, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak had just happened for me. He is going at a good pace,” he says.
