“Lata ji didn’t like me promoting new singers,” says Ravindra Jain, the veteran music composer who made a comeback with Sooraj Barjatya’s ode to marriage ‘Vivah’ recently. Winner of the prestigious ‘Lata Mangeshkar Award’ conferred on him this year by the Maharashtra Government, Jain considers the rendition of ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’ by Lata as one of her best. “I introduced singers like Hemlata with ‘Ankhiyon Ke Jharoke Se’ as I wanted new talent to come forward, but somehow Lata ji didn’t like that,” he adds.

Known for soulful melodies, Ravindra Jain started his career with ‘Sunayna’ and earned fame with one of Amitabh Bachchan’s earlier films ‘Saudagar’. ‘Tera Mera Saath Rahe’ and ‘Sajna Hai Mujhe Sajna Ke Liye’ from that film are golden melodies that touch the soul even today. He went on to compose songs like ‘Gori Tera Gaon Bada’, ‘Jab Deep Jale Aana’, ‘Main Hoon Khushrang Henna’, ‘Le Jayenge Le Jayenge’, ‘Ghungroo Ki Tarah’ which still reverberate in the collective unconscious of the country. He also gave music for Ramanand Sagar’s television serial ‘Ramayan’.

His latest offering ‘Vivah’ is a mixed bag. ‘Mujhe Haq Hai’ attracts immediately while the rest of the song appeal in the context of the film. Ravindra Jain is a true gem of the soil who is an inspiration for all those who are handicapped and yet attained a lot in life. Being blind hasn’t deterred him from writing lyrics and composing for numerous films and private albums. IndiaGlitz salutes his giant achievements.