Hemalatha: A sensation unknown

Often, I wonder, what is the mark of a good singer? Bollywood has had a certain ill-flair in having neglected a lot of really worthwhile singers, who have given a great number of evergreen songs. To this band of long forgotten singers, belongs Hemlatha. Ever heard of the song “Akhiyon ke jharokon se” the title song of the same named movie? One can so easily sense the innocence and love in the voice – akin to the love of a young teenaged girl.

Hemlatha is one of those rare and gifted singers, with a thorough classical knowledge. Just by looking the the songs that she has sung, one can easily assess her talents – “Ankhiyon ke jharokhon se”, “le toh aaye ho hamein”, “tu is tarah se meri zindagi mein shaamil hai”, “jab deep jale aana”, and many more. To sing along with KJY one has to have a solid hold on the classic style and in “deep jale aana” – hemlatha shines as does KJY.

It is a tragedy that the film Industry never recognized her true worth. Usha Khanna, Ravindra Jain, and a few other music directors were the only ones who tried to figure her regularly. There are very few people too, who actually have listened to and appreciated her talent. It was sad that she couldn’t be as established as the contemporaries of latha mangeshkar, and asha bhonsle.. not that they two sister duos..really could be competed against! Well thatz that.. and now its time to get back to listenin’ to more of Hemlatha.

Some famous gems of Hemalatha:-