After the demise of famous singer Mukesh, Raj Kapoor was looking for a new voice for his films. Music director Laxmikant Pyarelal introduced Suresh Wadkar to Raj Kapoor sir. Raj Kapoor Sahib gave Suresh Wadkar a new name Mukesh Chand and said that RK Films will sing this song as long as I am alive. However, Raj Kapoor sir's son wanted to get married to some other famous singer. On Raj Kapoor Sahib's 100th birth anniversary, Suresh Wadkar spoke to Frontpage Insights and shared some special stories related to him.
Raj Kapoor had a wonderful observation Referring to his first meeting with Indian cinema's showman Raj Kapoor Sahib, Suresh Wadkar said – I couldn't believe my ears when Laxmikant Pyarelal Ji called that you are singing for Raj Kapoor Sahab. He was recording a song at that time. After finishing the recording, Laxmikant reached Pyarelal Ji's house. Raj Sahib was sitting. I touched her feet. He held my hand and said you have come in air conditioned car. Just imagine what kind of observation Raj Kapoor would have.
Loved his artists and singers very much After all-time favorite singer Mukesh, Suresh Wadkar has sung songs in Raj Sahib's three films 'Prem Rog', 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' and 'Hina'. Suresh Wadkar says- I feel very lucky that I got a chance to sing in such a big producer's film. At the time of 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' his sons felt that a big popular singer of the time should sing the song. One day Raj Sahib called me to his office and said that a big play is going to happen today. My sons want another singer to sing in the film, but as long as I am alive. Only Suresh Wadkar will sing in my film. He loved his artists and singers very much.
Raj Kapoor said to Suresh Wadkar that you are my Mukesh Chand Suresh Wadkar says- Raj sahib said that Lataji (Lata Mangeshkar) sings in a female voice in my films. Henceforth, you will sing in male voice in all films made in RK Studios. You are my Mukeshchand. At that moment I had tears in my eyes. It is a great privilege to sing with such legends. Raj Sahib was very knowledgeable about music. He had a good understanding of how to get singers to sing.
'Bhanvare Ne Khilaya Phool'What did Raj sahib say after hearing the voice of? While sharing the story of the recording of the film 'Prem Rog', Suresh Wadkar says – During the recording of the Prem Rog song 'Bhanvare Ne Khilaya Phool', the flute was being played in the rehearsal. Meanwhile, I made a noise. Raj Sahib was present in the studio at that time. Hearing the sound, they started asking who made this sound. I got scared after hearing this. I told him, Dad, forgive me. After this he said – No, this voice is needed in the whole song.
When I received Rs 10,000 for the song, I thought I had received someone else's payment by mistake. One thousand to fifteen hundred rupees were paid for one song in those days. After the recording of the song 'Prem Rog' was over, Raj Sahib sent Suresh Wadkar Rs. 10,000, Suresh Wadkar thought he had mistakenly received someone's payment. Suresh Wadkar says- I told Raj Sahib that Papaji, maybe I got someone else's envelope by mistake. He said – Why do you feel low, son? I have never seen such a big hearted person.
The music seating was like a festival Suresh Wadkar says – Music seating was like a festival for Raj Sahib. Working with him was like a home environment. Krishnaji (Raj Kapoor's wife) used to feed everyone with love. During the recording, if a percussionist arrived late, he would take the tambourine and start playing himself. He had a good understanding of basic music. He taught music to his brothers Shashi Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor as children.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
