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In Minneapolis for a business-cum-pleasure trip Alka Yagnik remains unfazed by Aadesh Shrivastava's tirade against her.
"My mother called from Mumbai, and she was very upset. I really don't wish to retaliate to his tirade. It's a charmed life with me. I've
been blessed to work with veteran composers like Khayyam, Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Kalyanji-Anandji and newer composers like
Nadeem-Sharavan and Jatin-Lalit.
Many of these composers have chosen to work with me over other singers. I always
wanted to model my life and career on Lataji. And if today I command even a fraction of her love and respect I'm happy. Therefore I
won't react to what's been said about me. The person is most welcome to say what he likes."
According to Aadesh Alka refused to shoot with Sunidhi Chauhan on Voice Of India.
Alka sighs, "Let me clear this once and for all. Sunidhi is like my bachcha. I've always welcomed and encouraged new talent. In fact
I'd like to train new talent. When 18-year singers approach me for guidance I feel very happy.
I've completed 27 years of
playback singing and I intend to continue with my career for 27 more years. I'd like to pass on whatever I've learnt to newer singers. I
wouldn't like my legacy to vanish. It's ridiculous to even suggest that I'd discourage Sunidhi from coming on our show.
What
happened was they decided to change the format for segregating the judges and contestants. All I suggested was that we convert to
the new format and then bring in Sunidhi and other celebrity guests. It'd be a pleasure to have Sunidhi on the show."
She sighs, "Let Aadesh have fun. God bless him. I'm a cool cat. When I've received so much in life why should I allow anyone to
upset me. I'm only upset because my mother is upset."
As for Voice Of India Alka is adamant. "I'm not coming back to the show. Whatever I do in life I'd rather do it with dignity. I'm definitely
quitting the show. I don't want to get into jhanjat-jhemela.
I'm sorry to put the producer-director Gajendra Singh in a tight
spot. I tolerated the bad behaviour for a long time. I'll definitely work with him in a more comfortable set-up (without Aadesh on the
show). Otherwise I've no hard feelings for anyone.
Saturday, June 30, 2007 13:03 IST