I missed out on my childhood. I had to work hard, but I was immediately given a place in playback.

I wish I had given more time to learning classical singing.

When I started out, there was so much work that I couldn't think of doing anything else. I would go for recordings by 8.30 A.M., that, too, in trains. I used to come home at night. I was travelling alone everywhere.

I feel God has sent me to Earth to sing. I started singing when I was five, but I don't think I've worked as hard as many other people.

I have been singing for the last 50 years, you know, so I deserve a break. Besides, there are talented singers around who can do justice to their work.

There is no substitute for hard work.