"My struggle was to get recognition in an environment where there were many stalwarts and I was new... I sang few varied songs and that's when people got to know I can sing all kinds of songs," she told PTI.
"I did not have to battle with hunger like many others. But mine was also a struggle - it was on the professional front," Alka, who had delivered a number of hit songs with Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan said.
She delivered a motivational speech here earlier this week to FICCI Ladies Organisation where she was chosen to speak at the "Beautiful Sangam : Sur Aur Neeti", a pep talk session of women achievers in diverse fields.