Digital Desk: Lata Mangeshkar was the voice of countless female actors over the years; legendary actress Hema Malini says it was her “honour” that Lata Mangeshkar sang some of her superhit songs, including ‘Naam Gum Jaayega’ from the film ‘Kinara’. However, despite several major successes with the legendary singer Hema had one major regret about her journey with Lata Mangeshkar.
Hema said in a recent interview that she wanted Lata Mangeshkar to be her voice when she played the role of ‘Meerabai’, but the veteran singer refused.
Hema noted that playing Meera was a dream for her and that her wish was granted in the 1979 film. Hema told rediff.com, “It was producer Premji, who made several hits with me, and Dharamji, to whom I recommended a film about Meerabai.” Further, Hema revealed that she was the one who recruited Gulzar as a director and recommended that Lata Mangeshkar should perform the bhajans.
“However, the project was destroyed when Lataji refused to sing Meera bhajans. Throughout my career, Lataji has been my voice. She opted out of my most valued role now. I personally asked Lata Ji to sing for the bhajans, but she politely refused it.” the Baghban actor stated.
“She graciously declined, explaining that she had made a promise not to sing Meera bhajans after singing them for her brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar,” Hema added.
“Vani Jairam is a great singer, but her voice wasn’t right for me. My one regret is that Lata Ji didn’t sing for me in Meera.” she said.
The music of the Film ‘Meera’ is composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar while Vani Jairam gave the vocals.
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