New Delhi: Noted ghazal singer Penaz Masani feels upcoming singers should undergo proper classical training if they want to sustain their music careers for a longer period.
Penaz, who is often referred to as the 'Queen of Ghazals', started her singing career in 1981. Till date she has sung in more than 50 Bollywood movies and over 10 languages.
"I feel classical training is very important. Upcoming singers should have proper training and then begin their music careers. I can speak from my experience that learning is very vital in singing," said Penaz, who is in the capital to attend the annual 'Surtarang' musical event.
The singer was one of the judges of the evening at the event, which was organised by the Sangam Kala Groupin in memory of late singer Master Madan.
"I have been associated with Sangam group for more than twenty years now. I am very honoured to have been asked to judge the upcoming talents of our country. I feel today's singers have great potential," she said.
The 35th edition of Surtarang began with a performance by internationally renowned Kathak duo Nalini-Kamalini.
It was followed by a short audio-visual tribute to late legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra.
Singer Adnan Sami attended the event along with his wife Roya Faryabi.
Sami, who looked dapper in an all black suit, thanked the organisers for inviting him to be part of this musical evening.
Wearing her trademark Kanjeevaram saree, popular playback singer Usha Uthup also made her presence felt at the event.
The evening saw performance from former Indian Idol participant Harish Moyal, who was also the winner of Surtarang back in 2002.
India's Got Talent finalist Sonia also enthralled the audience as she performed on several hit Bollywood numbers.
