Somebody tell Lata to stop

Is it just me? Or does anyone else think that its about time Lata Mangeshkar calls it a day and stops crooning in Bollywood? I've never understood India's fascination with Lata. Granted, she might have belted some good numbers in her heydays, which probably lasted for a few years somewhere in the 60s. But as far back as I can remember, I've hated her voice. Consider movies like"Hum App ke hai kaun" or "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge" for example. Great songs spoiled only by some stupid ass' idea to let Lata near the mike. So when Madhuri Dixit is flirting playfully with Salman at a wedding Sangeet or Kajol is frollicking in a mini skirt in the rain, all I can think of is how much better these songs could have been without Lata's shrill vocals. Her voice does not suit either of these actresses, or for that matter, anyone else in bollywood.

With age, her voice has gotten shriller and almost child-like. Its like seeing an 80-yr old walking to school in uniform holding his mother's hands. She's pretending to be someone she's not anymore. Her voice is just high-pitched and screws up even the best of songs. And for some reason, these idiots in Bollywood do not realize that. They still hold her on a pedestal and feel blessed to be touched by her vocal torture.

It has come to a point when I hear Lata's voice, I start imitating her in a female voice, and I've got it almost spot on. Yes, its that bad! There is something to be said about graceful retirement. But somehow, our Bollywood singers and actors never understand this. So you see Amitabh Bachan in every other movie, shaking it with young things and being a playboy and all. Atleast, he's aged gracefully and has fond his niche. The same cannot be said of Lata. She's had her quota of a few thousand songs, and blasted quite a few ear drums. Maybe, just maybe, its time for her to call it a day and spend the rest of her life gazing at Sivaji Ganesan's photo. Anyone with me?