Sadhana Sargam was born Sadhana Ghanekar into a musical family. Her mother, Neela Ghanekar, a classical singer, was her first Guru, from whom she started learning since the age of four. Later she learnt under the tutelage of Pandit Jasraj. The famous Music Director duo Kalyanji-Anandji heard her in one gathering and took her under their wing. Here she learnt the skills of expression and modulation of voice. K-A were so impressed with this young girl that they changed her name to?Sadhana Sargam?? which meant that while’perseverance’ was her first name, ’melody’ became her last name.
Through the entire 1980s, she continued training under K-A and sung a few songs in films, but wasn?t really able to make a mark due to the abysmal quality of Bollywood music in that era as well as the resistance to new voices. But in the 90s, as new singers started making their mark, Sadhana was able to form a favorable impression among listeners. However, not being very well networked, her contemporaries like Alka Yagnik and Kavita Krishnamurthy were able to speed past her. Despite this, she continued at her craft doggedly pursuing whatever came her way and was able to come up with some unforgettable gems.
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- More ghar aaye sajanwaa
Film: Imaandar(1987)
Music: Kalyanji Anandji*
A forgettable film and a forgettable album. But what a Song! Wah! Lajawab! This was Sadhana in the early phase of her career when she was being promoted by K-A, along with other singers like Alka Yagnik, Sonali Bajpai and others. In this song, which she sings with Suresh Wadkar and Alka Yagnik, Sadhana displays a brilliance which is rare in today?s musical arena. Extremely difficult classical aalaaps are handled with the finesse of a professional and the fluidity and suppleness in her voice are unbelievably sweet sounding without a hint of strain anywhere through the song. Anyone who has heard this song will agree that it has the potential to leave you overwhelmed and breathless, asking for more.
This song is a much sought after demand in all of Sadhana?s stage shows.
- Saat samundar paar
Film: Vishwatma(1992)
Music: Viju Shah*
A very popular song of its time, this was picturised on Ms.Divya Bharati, who was the reigning new face then. The tune is pleasing although the score is extreme techno(who else but Viju Shah can go this length). For those who like such a sound, this may appeal, but even for those who abhor the techno zing, will love the softness and charm of Sadhana?s voice and her rendition.
- Pehla nasha
Film: Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar(1992)
Music: Jatin Lalit*
What more can one say about this number. It is a classic all time favorite. People like many things about this one. Its innovative picturisation and the mellifluous singing. As the song begins with the soft piano sounds, we have Sadhana?s voice crooning??Chahe tum kuch na kaho, maine sun liya?. This sets the mood for the rest of the song as Udit takes over. The Udit-Sadhana combo has given many scintillating songs, but this one surely ranks the top.
By this time, Sadhana had come out of the shadows of Kalyanji-Anandji, new voices were getting accepted and she was able to make a space for herself in the playback singing arena.
- Chupke se?
Film: Saathiya(2002)
Music: A R Rahman*
When a musical genius uses your voice, you know you have arrived. The male chorus goes ?Doston se?Doston se?.jhuti muti doosron ka naam leke, phir meri baatein karna?. Sadhana then takes over with her soft tingling voice. Just observe the rendition of the word ?taley? in the line ?Chupke se, raat je chadar taley?. The way it has been extended, it lends a serenity to the whole song. Sadhana is just brilliant in this number. I doubt anyone else could have had the same effect as she has been able to give.
- Aao na?
Film: Kyun, Ho gaya na!(2004)
Music: Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy*
The film industry finally sits up and takes notice. This is Sadhana at her peak. She even overshadows her co-singer Udit Narayan as her voice caresses each word and note with a tenderness that only she can give. As she sings, ?Sab gaate hain, sab hi madhosh hai, hum tum kyun khaamosh hai? she can allure you with a kind of intoxication quite different from the conventional.
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Given these gems, one must admit that Sadhana Sargam has her limitations in being able to pull off all types of songs. For instance raunchy numbers is just not her scene. Leave it to the Sunidhi Chauhans of the day and concentrate on the soft romantic touches. Sadhana Sargam is here to stay.