Mohammed Aziz got his big break as a singer with the the chart topper ‘Mard Tangewala’ from the film ‘Mard.’ The gifted singer carved a niche for himself in Bollywood and most of his songs like ‘Ek Andhera Lakh Ujale,’ ‘Aaj Kal Yaad Kuch Aur Rehta Nahi,’ ‘Duniya Mein Kitna Gam Hai,’ ‘Mein Se Meena Se Na Saakhi Se,’ etc. became hits. Despite being the top singer of Hindi films, Aziz remained humble. Now when he is facing a rough patch, he remains upbeat and as down to earth as ever. Rajesh V. Gaur and Suneel V. Gaur caught up with him recently
Why has the Hindi film industry discarded you as a singer?
I am puzzled because I am the same Mohammed Aziz who gave hits like 'Khuda Gawah', 'Mard', 'Khudgarz', 'Aakhir Kyon', 'Saudagar', 'Nagina', 'Tridev', 'Karma', 'Ram Lakhan' etcetera etcetera. The innocent music lovers have no choice or say in the matter. Secondly, I have never asked anyone for work as it is against my conscience and self-respect. I am very confident about my ability to sing even the most difficult of songs.
You sang a lot of songs for Amitabh Bachchan...
I sang for Amitabhji in 22 films. This itself has guaranteed me fame forever. As long as Amitabh Bachchan is remembered people will also remember me, his playback singer.
Many youngsters today are trying their luck in the field of playback singing. What do you think about it?
Many of these so-called singers are a product of media hype. They get overnight success and that too on a platter and then these so-called singers disappear within no time. As for me, I have come up the hard way after a lot of 喪iyaaz・ and back breaking struggle.
Your biggest motivation as a playback singer?
Its Mohammed Rafi saab, a great singer and wonderful human being. I don稚 copy him because I feel no one can copy an iconic singer like him. But his songs have inspired and influenced my style of singing. I consider him my 組uru・ or master.
Your views on the songs being churned out today?
Today, Recording a song has become easier and even 'Besura' or out of tune singers are made to sound okay with the help of recording machines. Where is the dedication, hard work and patience which is needed to make good songs. Everyone is out to make a quick buck.