Dec 16, 2006 04:56 AM
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Before Udit Narayan came, it was unimaginable that in male playback singing, there can be a third school other than Kishore school and Rafi school. Eventhough there were a Mukesh or a Manna Dey or Hemant Kumar, they never really dominated playback singing like Kishore or Rafi. Besides Mukesh, Hemanta and Manna, all others started as descendents of Rafi school or Kishore school. Mahendra Kapoor, Suresh Wadkar. Mohammed Aziz, Shabbir Kumar, Anwar, Sonu Nigam all belong to the Rafi school. Suresh and Sonu developed their own styles later, but others failed. Similarly, Amit Kumar, Vinod Rathod, Kumar Sanu, Abhijeet and Shaan belong to Kishore Kumar school although each of them developed his own style later. But Udit Narayan was never a follower of any style. Still he became the King of playback singing. He ruled Bollywood in two phases. First, before true arrival of Kumar Sanu - from 1988 to 1990 and then from 1999 to 2001. He was the no. 1 playback singer during this period. In between Kumar Sanu ruled from 1991 to 1998. And now Sonu is the no.1 from 2002 onwards. But even today, he comes out with potential award-winning songs. Even at 50, he does play back for a 25-year old Shahid Kapoor(example, Vivah). Even in this Himmesh era, none can deny that Udit is a 100 times better singer than Himmesh.
It is difficult to find out 5 best songs of Udit Narayan. As someone mentioned, I go by the songs which touched my heart most.
Yeh Tara Woh Tara from Swades - Udit shows his knowledge of classical music here and in spite of this song being raaga-based one, Udit could add life to it and make it down to earth. That is true genious.
Mitwa from Lagaan - I think the only voice which can dominate ARR's music and make it his song rather than ARR's song is Udit's voice. The song is just too good and rightly he got a national award for this.
Meri Saanson Mein Basa Hai from Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya - It is a beautiful romantic song - acreation of late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Saab. Udit's voice showed enough range in this song.
Jiss Ghadi Tere Rab Ne from Prithvi - Udit gave his heart in this pure romantic song. Just watch him go step by step in the antharas. Is it not heart-touching?
Ghunghte Mein Chanda Hai from Koyla - This song shows why Udit is credited with so much of Josh in his voice. Just listen to it and enjoy.
