Preeti Sagar, a lot of people would ask, who is she? The answer is that she is a singer and not any ordinary one; she sang the cult classic "My Heart Is Beating" in Julie, and do you remember the catchy song from the Amul ad "Mero Gaam Katha Parey," which she sang for Shyam Benegal's "Manthan"?
Preeti Sagar was born in India. Preeti Sagar's journey in music began early, influenced by her father, veteran actor Moti Sagar. Preeti made her singing debut with the song "Teri Aisi Ki Taisi" in PL Santoshi's "Nagina (1972)," under the music direction of Shankar Jaikishan. She sang for a few more songs like "Tera Vaade Pe Vaada Hota Gaya" in "Gaal Gulabi Nain Sharabi," Paigham Maut Ka Qatil Ne De Diya in Kshitij, Aaye Hain Badi Door Se in "Daaku," and Chal Gayi Chal Gayi Chal Gayi Ishq Ki Goli Chal Gayi in "Dhoti Lota Aur Chowpatty" with Mohammad Rafi.
Her career took a significant turn with her iconic song, "My Heart is Beating," from the 1975 film "Julie," which remains a favourite across generations. The song not only showcased her versatility as a singer who could perform in English with ease but also earned her a special Filmfare award. Her voice, which carried the nuances of Indian classical music, became synonymous with the changing landscape of Bollywood music during that time.
Preeti won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the song "Mero Gaam Katha Parey" from the movie 'Manthan' in 1978. This accolade was a testament to her vocal prowess and her ability to imbue songs with emotion and depth.
She also sang songs like "Piya Baaj Pyala Piya Jaye Na" in Nishant (1975), "Laila Majnu Do Badan Ek Jaan The" in Laila Majnu (1976), "Tum Itni Sundar Ho" in Anand Ashram (1976), "Tumhare Bina Jee Naa Lage Ghar Mein" and "Sawan Ke Din Aaye Sajanwa Aan Milo" in Bhumika (1978), Ha Aa Meri Jaan Kahoon Kya" in Tere Pyar Mein (1978), "Khota Paisa Nahin Chalega" in Dooriyan (1979), "Laike Latke Jhatke" in Geet Ganga (1981), "Tum Sundar Ho" in Katha (1983), "Shamsheer Barahna Maang Ghazab" and "Zabaanen Badalte Hain" in Mandi (1983), "Kisi Ko Khona Kisi Ko Pana" in Jhutha Sach (1984), "Radhike Murli Naa Maane" in Daamad Chaahiye (1986), "Jo Bhi Kehna Sach Hain Kehna" in Locket (1986), and many more.
She had a strong working relationship with Shyam Benegal and music maestro Vanraj Bhatia and sang for them extensively. One of her songs, "What's your problem?" from "Kalyug (1981)," under the music direction of Vanraj Bhatia, is another example of her singing skills, where she infused a modern vibe into her classical training, creating a song that was ahead of its time.
Preeti Sagar also made a significant impact on children's entertainment and education. She collaborated with Sa Re Ga Ma to create audio versions of several children's nursery rhyme collections in Hindi and English. Her Fairy Tales series is another feather in her cap, showcasing her commitment to nurturing young minds through music and storytelling.
Preeti Sagar also established Angela Films, her own production company. Angela Films has been involved in advertising, short films, and feature-film dubbing. In the 1990s, the company produced the hit children's TV show, "Phulwari Bachchon Ki," which further cemented her role as a pioneer in children's entertainment in India. She also acted in the children's TV series Rocking Kids.
Preeti is currently residing in Mumbai with her husband, Soami Saran, and two daughters. The legacy of her father and her own contributions to the arts have created a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of India.
Preeti Sagar's career may have been brief compared to some of her contemporaries, but her influence has been indelible. She has shown that with talent, passion, and a willingness to explore different avenues, one can leave a mark that echoes through time.
