Asha Bhonsle receives the Akshaya Samman 2011 in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Her golden voice sounded still as fresh as it was in the famous song Dil cheez kya hai from Umrao Jaan that Asha Bhonsle sang for her fans on Wednesday when she received the Akshaya Samman presented by the Akshaya Mohanty Foundation in Bhubaneswar. The 78-year-old singer who is revered for her versatility in singing, shared her views on music and life with The Telegraph.

How do you feel after receiving the Akshaya Samman given in memory of iconic Oriya composer and singer Akshaya Mohanty?

As a singer, it is important to be a listener. I listen to music from all corners of the country and when it comes to music from Orissa, it has obviously been Akshaya Mohanty’s music. He was a genius to have composed and sung for 75 films without professional training in music. He used to write songs and plays. I wish I had the chance to meet him. I feel honoured to receive this award.

You have sung in almost all Indian regional languages. But we did not get to hear many songs by you in Oriya films.

I sang only two songs for Oriya films, something I really enjoyed. But despite my wish to sing more often in Oriya, somehow things did not work out. In fact, I have performed only once in Orissa, earlier. I would love to visit again and perform here if invited.

Naina Lagaike, your last year album with sitar player Shujaat Khan received rave response worldwide. When can we expect your next album?

The response of Naina Lagaike was very heartening and it was a wonderful experience to work with Shujaat Khan. I’m working on another album with musician Deepak Kumar. However, since piracy has increased so much, not many music companies are willing to produce non-film albums. Even when it comes to television programmes, it is film music and videos that is preferred. This is posing a threat to non-film light classical music.

How was the experience of trying your hand at acting for the upcoming film Maaee?

This was my first film. But it will also be the last. (Smiles). The experience was wonderful, but I would not say challenging since I played a mother’s role. Being a mother and grandmother, it was quite easy and natural for me to perform this role.

What do you think about the music in Hindi films today? Do you observe any major changes over the years?

The fact is that all songs are being composed basing on modern dance. Today, everyone, irrespective of their age, appear to loves dancing, which is a good thing. But music directors must keep in mind that there is also the necessity of some classical based songs or everything becomes stereotyped. Moreover, hour-long rehearsals by singers before a recording and the time and effort put in for a song to evolve, have all disappeared. If we start putting words like Zandu Balm in the lyrics, then how can we expect songs to be touching? Though there are talented young singers out there who appear on reality shows sometimes, they are not given scope to grow as playback singers and are forgotten or confined to stage singing, after the show is over.

What is the secret behind your energy and vibrancy?

Taking care of one’s health and fitness is very important. For that one must feel good from within. To be happy, you must do your job and then forget about the results and stop being upset on emotional matters. Also, following a good diet is very important for women to look good, specially when ageing, since getting out of shape influences their state of mind.