Celeb pick: Fast five with Alka Yagnik

Alka Yagnik became the melody queen of the 1990s and together with contemporary male playback singer Kumar Sanu, she filled in the void left behind by the evergreen Lata-Kishore duet jodi. Having tasted super sweet success over the years and quite deservedly winning a prestigious National Award, she now looks forward to launch a music academy to nurture young new talents.

What’s playing on your iPod now?
I consciously avoid tuning in to my own songs. Whenever I play the songs on my iPod, it has to be obviously Lataji and Ashaji’s tracks. I don’t mind the current numbers, provided they aren’t too loud and noisy.

Name your favourite...
Musician: R. D. Burman, Kalyanji Anandji and Laxmikant Pyarelal
Singer: Kishoreda (Kumar), Mohammed Rafisaab, Mukeshji, Lataji and Ashaji
Composer: Jatin Lalit, Anu Malik, Anand Milind

What do you tune in, when you feel...
Down: A soothing score
Lonely: Lataji’s gems
Happy: This is a must reserve for Kishoreda’s lively, exciting numbers. Also, some new songs of present-day talents like Arijit Singh and Ankit Tiwari
Romantic: Songs by Lataji and Ashaji

Favourite genres:
Romantic and melodious

Favourite instruments:
The flute and the sitar. Though I feel every single instrument has its own essence and substance to make a composition soothing to the ears.