My vernacular diction has improved: Udit Narayan

Which is why he’s still a much sought after singer in the south, says Padma Shri Udit Narayan
In his over three-decade-old career, three-time national award winner and Padma Shri Udit Narayan has made his presence felt not only in Bollywood music, but across other film industries, too, especially in the south.
But while the singer has been lauded for his almost perfect Hindi diction, the same could not be said about his efforts in singing regional language songs.“True that I had trouble with the pronounciation of several words in regional languages. But over the years, I have strived to overcome that hurdle and have improved the quality of my vernacular diction. That people love my songs and am still in demand is testimony to the fact that I am better today,” says Udit, who was in the city recently.
Performing here at the Yuva Dasara for a second time, the singer was visibly excited. “The response I get from audiences here is absolutely amazing. I love singing in the palace city which has such rich greenery, a serene atmosphere and music-loving people,” he says.
Udit, whose songs MTV Subbalakshmige Baari Voolu from the film Upendra, Kunnidu Kunnidu Baare from Mungaru Male and Anthu Inthu Preethi Banthu from Milana have become huge hits, says that he doesn’t have a clear favourite. “It is tough to pick a particular song, I’ve enjoyed every song that I have sung in Kannada,” he says
But quiz him about his dwindling offers and he says, “I’ve been singing for over three decades. To be fair, new singers should also get opportunities, and I have no issues about not getting as many offers as I used to earlier.”
The singer, who also judges song-based reality shows, is amazed at the kind of talent he encounters in these shows. “Very versatile kids sing in these shows. Music is safe in their young hands. I hope they will be the future stars of India,” he says.