Classics and non-classics continue to be vandalised by the creatively bankrupt entertainment industry. Old songs are ripped off from their original habitat and rejigged in a new format.
The newest hit to be hit by a tornado of lazy trashing is Rajesh Roshan’s Mungda, a blockbuster composition from the 1977 suspense thriller Inkaar originally sung by the youngest of Mangeshkar siblings Usha Mangeshkar and filmed on the inimitable Helen. The song has now been “recreated” for Indra Kumar’s Total Dhamaal.
And the original composer is not amused. Says Rajesh Roshan, “I think there is less of inspiration and more of perspiration in the music industry. The filmmakers have lost confidence in creating new songs.”
Recalling the tremendous impact of the original Mungda, Rajesh Roshan says, “I gave Usha Mangeshkarji the song to sing. She sang several songs for me and was one of those competent singers who could breathe life into a tune.”
Usha Mangeshkar who is the least limelight-friendly member of the illustrious Mangeshkar family says she is opposed to remixes in principle. “Our songs (the songs sung by the Mangeskar sisters Lata, Asha and Usha) were created after a great deal of thought and they were done with sensitivity and care. To rip them off in this arbitrary manner is not correct.” Adds Lataji, “We are not asked if we approve or not. No one seeks our consent before using our songs. Is that right?”
