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Technology cannot add soul to a singer's voice, says Asha Bhosle

Technology cannot add soul to a singer's voice, says Asha Bhosle

The legendary singer believes heavy use of technology has compromised the "longevity" of songs these days
Updated 03 Aug, 2017

Technology may have, in many instances, improved the quality of life, but in the opinion of the legendary Asha Bhosle, it cannot help a singer add "soul" to their voice.

Speaking to a private Indian news agency, Bhosle said that though getting "familiar" with using technology is an important feat to learn, "we must not forget that nothing can replace real talent".

"Call me a old-school, but I believe that technology cannot add soul to our voice," the veteran artiste added as she attended her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle’s iAzure Apple Store launch in Mumbai.

Bhosle was of the opinion that the "longevity" of songs has been compromised due to heavy use of technology. However, she also felt that singers can use technology in "constructive" ways to nurture their talent.

"These days, kids are spending most of their time on their phones. I say, why not use them for something constructive? See, you have a digital tanpura and tabla on your iPhone… So practise while sitting alone, practise while sitting in a quiet place," the iconic singer said.

"To become a singer, a certain thairao (grace) is important," she continued, adding practice makes perfect. "It emerges slowly… It is a lifelong process. It should be in your lifestyle."

Be it cabaret or a ballad, Bhosle has sung it all. Reminiscing over the olden times, the nostalgic artiste said, "Times have changed. Nowadays, with the help of technology, you can correct even one word instead of having to sing the whole song all over again."

"But, usme woh jaan kahan, woh energy kahan? (where is the life, the energy in that?)" she asked, rhetorically.

Bhosle is widely considered one of the greatest playback singers in Bollywood and has also earned a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most recorded artist in music history.

Comments

Shifu Aug 03, 2017 09:09pm
so true Ashaji
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WildBeast Aug 03, 2017 09:41pm
Very True!!
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Imtiaz ali khan Aug 03, 2017 09:46pm
110% Right Asha Bhosle :)
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SSS Aug 03, 2017 10:35pm
Rightly said man.. legend
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mani Aug 04, 2017 01:40am
Yes it can. Soul is not just in the voice. Soul is within. And any form of artistic expression can highlight it. Technology is an extension of the human form, especially in times we are coming into. Some beautiful music is created via technology.
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Khany Aug 04, 2017 02:32am
Asha Bosle is a legand singer and shes 100% right. Origanal voice is needed in todays music which is no where as close as it was a decade ago specialy 90s and 80s music songs.
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ga Aug 04, 2017 04:47am
True for Bollywood songs. Coke studio Pakistan is still holding true to strong, soulfull vocals.
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SATT Aug 04, 2017 09:12am
People in this age only use eyes but not heart.
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karmicgal Aug 04, 2017 09:58am
Asha tai is an amazing bundle of energy who amazed me when i saw her dancing at the age of 80 while singing at the same time. Nobody can replace soul and hats off to you madam.
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Rationalbabu Aug 04, 2017 01:35pm
@karmicgal : Her positivity and energy are truly inspiring given all the personal tragedies and pain she has been through.
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NKhan Aug 04, 2017 03:41pm
So true. At the 2016 Lux Awards none of the singers who came on stage to collect awards and sang a few few lines LIVE on the mic had perfect voices, they were just about holding the tune. The only one who sang perfectly was Amjad Sabri's son, someone who like Ashaji has proper training.
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Abdulla Hussain Aug 05, 2017 02:35pm
Asha Bhosle is right. No instrument or technology can be more intense than the voice of the legendary singers like Lata, Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore & of course herself.
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