Mumbai: Former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, released ‘Talat Mahmood – AVelvet Voice’, a biography on the legendary musician and actor, written by journalist and author Manek Premchand at the KC College Auditorium, Churchgate in Mumbai on Saturday. The book is a Manipal University Press publication.
Speaking on the occasion, Advani said that he always enjoyed listening to music despite his political engagements. He praised Talat Mahmood and said, “It is a great honour to unveil the book on such a great and distinguished icon of music and I feel humbled to release “Talat Mahmood – A Velvet Voice.” The Governor of Maharashtra, C Vidyasagar Rao and others from the music and entertainment industry were present.
“I have been a fan of Talatji since my childhood and I’ve also had the honour of knowing him personally,” said Manek Premchand while talking about the book – An MUP release. “A significant portion of the Indian diaspora across the globe have a certain weakness for Talat’s soft voice, and there was no English biography of the singer. I hope the book reaches music lovers and Talat fans who are eager to know more about his life and contributions,” he said.
Dr H Vinod Bhat, Pro Vice Chancellor, Manipal University said in a statement, “This book is a proud presentation of Manipal University Press (MUP), which started as an academic publisher and is now venturing into various facets of publishing including audio books. Talat Mahmood was a magical musician as he swiftly blended the richness of Urdu poetry with soulful music, creating an extra-ordinary repertoire of both ghazals and cinema music. Manek Premchand has made sincere attempts in sketching Talat’s life and musical journey, providing details of all the songs he sang during his long-lasting career. We appreciate the efforts put by the author and wish the book is read by all lovers of music and Talat.”
Others in the audience included Talat Mahmood’s daughter, Sabina Talat Mahmood, musicians Sudha Malhotra, Anu Malik, Khalid Mahmood, television producer and hostess, Pratibha Advani, popular radio host, Ameen Sayani, Dr Neeta Inamdar, Professor and Head of the Department of European Studies at Manipal and Nanik Rupani, Chairman Emeritus Priyadarshni Academy, which organised the event. The book priced at INR 550/-, will be available in print in all standard book stores. The book is also available online on Flipkart, Amazon and mup.manipal.edu.
