“A MARATHI artist will never compromise with his pride and honour. However, in the Hindi film industry, you have to put up your respect for sale to gain popularity and opportunities. That is why, several legendary Marathi musicians have smaller career-spans in the Hindi film industry,” rues veteran Marathi music director Ashok Patki, explaining his limited success in Bollywood. Patki, who has over 60 Marathi films, 250 Marathi dramas, over 250 Marathi serials and a record break 5000 ad jingles to his credit, was in the city to participate in a musical concert, ‘Radha Hi Bawari.’ He spoke at length on his musical journey, current music scenario, reality shows, and future of Marathi music industry, even as he went on with his rehearsal with local artists, intermittently answering questions and playing his harmonium.
With timeless melodies like ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’ and ‘Purab Se Surya Uga’ to his name, Patki’s ‘Zandu Balm,’ ‘Dhara oil,’ and ‘Vicco turmeric cream.’ jingles are on everybody’s lips. “I like to work on jingles. It is more challenging. We get not more than 10 to 15 seconds to make a perfect impact.” Patki’s jingles are a part of our day-to-day life and many of us can recite them word to word. However, very few of us know the man behind these lovable tunes. This is because he has shunned publicity all this while.
“After a 40-year-long journey in the industry, I feel satisfied as my hard work has started showing results at last. I believe that it takes a lot to be successful. Constant effort, patience, and enthusiasm!,” feels Patki, while complaining that the new generation lacks these qualities.
“They want everything instantly. They lack consistency and hard work. It is impossible to gain everything through a single reality show or talent hunt.” According to him, reality shows are overrated and have been given undue importance. “No show can produce a perfect singer as it takes time to get perfection. The most irritating factor is SMS voting by which real talent remains unnoticed,” he states.
Surprisingly, Patki is not trained in Indian classical music. His long stint as assistant to Pt Jitendra Abhisheki, the legend of classical music, gives his music the ‘classical touch.’ “A practical work experience with Panditji taught me much more that a formal education,” he admits humbly.
Today, reputed names in classical music, including Pt Ajit Kadkade, Prabhakar Karekar and Shaunak Abhisheki, sing under his guidance.
“It is important to learn classical, but basically music is God’s gift. You have to have something in you before you start polishing the skill,” he says.
Patki is very optimistic about the new era Marathi cinema. The music of his recent film, ‘Sawali’ is a super-hit even though all compositions are based on classical music. “New concepts in the Marathi film industry are providing musicians a ground to experiment. This is why we are producing different kind of music in Marathi these days,” he says.
Apart from his full-time passion, Patki loves to travel. Recently, he also successfully tried his hand at lyric writing. His composition ‘Radha hi Bawari’ is another all-time hit. Words and tunes are equally important for a perfect composition. “Better words arranged to better tune makes the best song,” he says.
A veteran in his field, Patki sees huge talent in youngsters and advises them to wait patiently for their turn. “If you really have talent, they will notice you. They have to, if you work with passion and dedication,” is his message to young aspirants.
