In a recent candid interview with Anu Ranjan, legendary playback singer Alka Yagnik, a beloved figure across generations, opened up about an unexpected fan—Osama Bin Laden.
Following the 2011 raid on Bin Laden's Abbottabad compound, the CIA uncovered an intriguing musical collection on his computers, featuring Bollywood hits by famed singers Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, and Alka Yagnik.
When asked about the discovery, Yagnik humorously responded, "Is it my fault? Osama Bin Laden jo bhi hai jaisa bhi hai, uske andar ek chota sa kalakaar hoga kahin... (There's an artiste inside him no matter what he did). Pasand hai toh phir, accha hai na (It's good that he liked my songs, right)?"
Among the tracks found on Bin Laden's laptops were the evocative title track from "Dil Tera Aashiq" with Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixhit, "Ajnabee Mujhko Itna Bata" from Ajay Devgn and Kajol's "Pyar Toh Hona Hi Tha," and "Tu Chand Hai Poonam Ka" from "Jaane Tamanna."
During the same interview, Yagnik candidly addressed the industry politics that have plagued her illustrious career. "Politics exists in every line of work," she admitted. "A lot of songs were taken away from me."
Reflecting on her career, she alluded to a particular contemporary who employed unfair tactics against her. "Like I'd rehearse a song only to know that a senior singer had eventually sung it," she revealed.
Despite these challenges, Yagnik maintained a positive outlook. "I'd say koi baat nahin. I didn't bother who was doing what, saying what... I was a homebody and only too happy to return home after work. I sang from my heart." She expressed self-criticism and a dedication to her craft, noting, "Even if today a song of mine is playing on the radio, and I find something wrong with it, I ask the driver to switch the station."
Alka Yagnik, a seven-time Filmfare Award winner for Best Female Playback Singer, recently made headlines when she disclosed having a rare hearing disorder—a revelation that left fans concerned but supportive.
Her openness about both the tribulations and triumphs of her career continues to earn her admiration and respect from fans worldwide.