Kolkata has the richest talent pool: Alka Yagnik

Kolkata: Describing Kolkata as her first home, celebrated playback singer Alka Yagnik says the city is a rich talent pool 'unparalleled' anywhere else. "May be I am partial to this city as this is my birthplace. But still Kolkata has something in the air that aids and promotes art; it whets the appetite of the singer for more adulation and recognition," Alka told PTI.

Speaking at an event on cerebral palsy here last Tuesday, she pointed her hand at Anik Dhar who was standing beside her and said there were many such likes. Alka said they were already making their presence felt in Mumbai. "People from this part of the country had always came on top in national reality shows and excell afterwards."

"In Bengal I have seen there is a 'kalakar' in almost every household ... parents impart music lessons to children since a very young age.....and hence they have a solid musical foundation which explains why the younger generation has the ear for melody," Alka says.

Describing Kolkata as her first home, celebrated playback singer Alka Yagnik says the city is a rich talent pool.

"I am spending more time in Kolkata than in Mumbai in a year. I had breathed the Kolkata air of music in my growing up days. I Liked my experience in Bengali film 'Chirosakha' and will love to do more such films," said Alka, who shares the distinction with Asha Bhosle for becoming the winner of the greatest number of Filmfare Awards (7) by a single female playback singer.

Asked if she considers the song 'Ek Do Teen' from 'Tezaab' as a milestone in her career, Alka agreed: "My voice suited Madhuri (Dixit) perfectly. But I have also sung playback for actors like Rani (Mukerji) and Kareena Kapoor."

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