Recently, during an interaction with IANS, Lata Mangeshkar was asked about the Internet sensation Ranu Mondal, who revealed that the legendary singer is her inspiration. To which the iconic singer said, "I feel imitation is not a reliable and durable companion for success. By singing my songs or Kishoreda’s (Kumar), or (Mohd) Rafi Saab’s, or Mukesh Bhaiyya or Asha’s (Bhosle) numbers, aspiring singers can get short-term attention. But it won’t last."
It was Himesh Reshammiya who gave Ranu her big Bollywood break by making her lent her voice to one of the songs in his upcoming film, Happy Hardy And Heer. When the ace musician was asked about Lata Ji's statement, he told the media agency, "I feel we have to see in which connotation Lata Ji has made that statement. I feel when you start copying another singer then it doesn't work that well. But I also feel that taking inspiration from someone else is really important."
He added, "Kumar Sanu always tells that he is inspired by Kishore Kumar. Similarly, we all are inspired by people in some way or the other. When I started singing songs in high pitch then people criticised me, terming it as nasal singing. But if you look at the international scene, it has become a common trait."
Himesh had also said, "I feel Ranu Ji is born with a certain kind of talent and she has been inspired by Lata Ji. I don't feel anybody can become a legend like Lata Ji. She is the best. Ranu Ji has started her own beautiful journey and I feel that people misunderstood Lata Ji's statement. I feel she told Ranu Ji that it's good to get inspired but you shouldn't copy anyone's voice and I don't feel that Ranu Ji has copied anyone's voice."
