Legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar lent her voice to actress Rekha in many movies. But did you know that the duo also shared an intimate bond beyond films? On Lata Mangeshkar’s birth anniversary today, September 28, here’s a recap of the duo’s special bond.
Talking about her bond with Lata Mangeshkar in an old interview to Zoom, Rekha said that their equation goes back to the time when she was just two years old.
“I share a very special rapport (with Lata Mangeshkar) that goes back to when I was probably two or three years old. That was when I heard her singing in my sleep. And what a way to be woken up,” Rekha said.
The veteran recalled how her mother, Pentapadu Pushpavalli, used to sing the legendary singer’s Aaja re Pardesi song. “She was singing ‘Aaja re pardesi’ from the film Madhumati. My mother used to hear this song at full volume. I would jump up in my cradle and start dancing. I even remember the timing, and what my mom was wearing, and what perfume. So, I told Lataji that I used to hear ‘Aaja re Pardesi’… Pardesi to miley nahin lekin iss bahaane mujhe meri Lata didi mil gai (I couldn’t find a foreigner, indicating a lover, but I got Lata didi),” she added.
Rekha also shared the legendary singer’s reaction to her story. “She laughed her innocent girlish laughter. I went a step further and said I wanted Lataji to be born from my womb. I would like her to be my daughter,” she said.
The actress further revealed that Lata Mangeshkar used to call her with a special nickname.
“Do you know what Lataji called me? Mahalaxmi! I just died at that moment. The general public may have a high opinion of me. But her? The woman I worship. That moment has changed my entire view of life. It was a very positive kind of tsunami. It changed my life. After hearing her call me Mahalaxmi, it would be perfectly all right if I drop dead right now. It’s a moment that is engraved in gold in my mind.”
Indeed, getting such a special name from your idol is quite special. Rekha felt the same way. She explained how she felt at the top of the moon, saying, “Actually, my mother used to say I’m a very special child. ‘You’re a devi that’s born out of my womb.’ I used to laugh. But now Lata didi saying this in front of so many people. I don’t think my life will ever be the same again.”
Lata Mangeshkar has crooned songs like Dekha Ek Khwaab (Silsila), Ho Pardesia (Mr Natwarlal), Aap Ki Aankhon Mein (Ghar) and Ye Kahan Aa Gaye Hum (Silsila) for Rekha.
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