It was the year of 1980, when I recorded my first song as a playback singer for the Gujarati film ‘Tame Re Champo Ame Re Kel’. The music directors were famous duo Mahesh-Naresh, and it was my first interaction with both.  Surprisingly, they had heard about me, but had never hear my voice, yet they had the trust and gave me the first opportunity, which further opened doors to my future recordings as a playback singer.

On completion of the recording, I could see Mahesh bhai had got emotional and said “I had never imagined of such a beautiful voice that could be so near to that of late Mukeshji. Today the Indian Film Industry needs such voice, and to make your voice reach throughout India, it is very important that we get your voice recorded for Hindi Songs, let me work out something.”

We discussed to come up with a ‘Tribute Album’ in memory of Mukeshji and contacted the music company ‘Polydor’, also got 3 songs written by the Legendary Hasrat Jaipuri ji.

Hasrat ji heard my voice and came up with a unique concept “Mukeshji left us few years back and his fans are really missing him, but has anyone ever thought about what would Mukeshji’s soul be feeling, while being so far away from his fans?

On these lines he wrote this wonderful tribute song and we released this tribute album on the death anniversary of Mukeshji in the year of 1980. “Mein Bahot Door Chala Aaya Hoon, Apni Aawaz To Duniya Mein Hi Chhod Aaya Hoon…”. Recorded at Western Outdoor studio this album composed by Mahesh Kumar & Naresh Kumar, arranged by Anil Mohile has played a vital role in my musical journey. After listening this album Raj Kapoor ji was so impressed, he immediately gave his consent for his playback. In short blessed with the words “मेरे स्वर को अपने गले से लगाया”. He reacted “Mukesh is reborn “. All credit goes to Hasarat Jaypuri ji.

– Kamlesh Avsatthi