MUMBAI: In the 80's, Bollywood music was majorly known by the ghazal legends. They molded the industry with their heart touching music. Today, its rear to find a ghazal track amongst all the EDMs and item numbers, but even today when you catch hold of one of those old ghazal cassettes, the day turns out to be truly magical. But, what if you had to bump into one of those legends? Something similar happened to us at Radioandmusic.com recently. We had an opportunity to do tete-a-tete with ghazal legend Pankaj Udhas.

The singer with songs like ‘Jeeye Toh Jeeye Kaise’ and ‘Thodi Thodi Piya Karo’ went on to reveal some interesting facts that his fans will love to know.

Not many know but the veteran ghazal singer got into musical because of radio. “During our times, radio was the only medium of entertainment, so I was very close to the radio. I used to listen to a lot of songs on the radio back then and it inspired me to sing,” said the legendary singer.

For Udhas radio has played a major role and it is now an integral part of his life. He connects with radio as he grew up listening to it.

The ‘Chitthi Aai Hai’ singer was never the singer stereotype even in the 80s as he chose not just to be a playback voice. He was constantly seen in films, lip-syncing to his own songs. Udhas explained that is a part of his personality. He likes doing out-of-the-box things. “I will always be seen doing things a singer will not do and I love it,” exclaimed the legend.

Udhas does not believe in restricting oneself. He stated that one must feel free to do all that he wishes to. “If you have the talent try and go for it. I am glad that I did different things and because I tried, I succeeded,” said Udhas.

The singer had a flying career in the 80s and 90s but soon the ghazal phase vanished and more western sound took over Bollywood. This did push the ghazal singers out of the industry, but the current music scene looks hopeful to Udhas. “As we have witnessed so many old hits coming back to cinemas, I feel there will be a phase when Ghazals too will come back,” Udhas ended.