Anuradha Paudwal: The Irony of Remixed Songs

During the 1990s, Anuradha Paudwal made a name for herself doing cover versions of every Lata Mangeshkar song possible. However, the singer is now miffed by remixes of her own songs, specifically Aaj Phir Tum Pe Pyaar Aaya Hai from Feroz Khan’s Dayavan which was remixed in the voice of Arijit Singh. This irony has not gone unnoticed by critics, as Paudwal herself did not spare Mangeshkar’s duets in order to become another copycat of the legendary singer.

A Disciple of the Mangeshkars

Paudwal started her musical journey as a disciple of Hridaynath Mangeshkar, regularly visiting the Mangeshkars as Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle’s brother’s disciple. While she had potential, she made the mistake of ambitious imitation instead of honing her own unique sound.

What Critics Say

One unnamed prominent female singer noted that “There can’t be two moons or two suns. Likewise another Lataji is impossible,” implying Paudwal’s impossible goal to become Mangeshkar 2.0 has hindered her career. However, if Paudwal had decided to be herself instead of striving for impossible goals, her potential would have been limitless.

There’s no question that Paudwal could have forged her own path without copying one of the greatest voices in Indian music history. Still, her story and subsequent criticism serves as a reminder that the music industry is often fickle and unforgiving, and that sometimes the greatest enemy to one’s success is oneself.