Sharmila Tagore: I was to receive the Lata Mangeshkar award from her hands this year

Actor Sharmila Tagore speaks exclusively to mid-day.com about her memories of the doyen of music, Lata Mangeshkar, and husband the late Tiger Pataudi

Actor Sharmila Tagore has had some of her career's biggest songs voiced by Lata Mangeshkar, from 'Kuch Dil Ne Kaha' (Anupama) to 'Chanda Hai Tu, Mera Sooraj Hai Tu' (Aradhana). The veteran actor recalls unforgettable moments with the doyen of music.

"Lataji sung so many songs for me in films like ‘Kora Kagaz’ (Aradhana) 'Hum Aur Tum’ (Daag) 'Raina Beeti Jaaye' (Amar Prem) and 'Chanda Hai Tu, Mera Sooraj Hai Tu' from ‘Aradhana’, which my granddaughter (Inaaya Naumi Kemmu ) sings now. She puts on the television and is mesmarised by that song. My personal favourite is 'Kuch Dil Ne Kaha' from ‘Anupama’.

I was a little child when I was taken to watch ‘Mahal’ and the only thing I remember is the song 'Aayega Aanewala', with Madhubala on the swing. Then of course there was ‘Mughal-e-Azam’. India’s history and evolution is connected to Lataji. She sang for decades because her voice was absolutely natural. A lot of people force their voice to sound a certain way, but hers was God-gifted. I’ve watched her sing; those days people would record with orchestra, and hers was inevitably first-take okay. She sang in so many languages with perfect pronunciation. Her voice is incomparable and will remain immortal.

Lataji was very fond of cricket. My husband Tiger was a great admirer of her voice. He met her and took a beautiful photograph with her. During those days, all matches were played at the Cricket Club of India and Lataji used to attend every match. I’d often see her at the Patiala Pavilion.

I was nominated for the Lata Mangeshkar Awards in 2020, which got postponed due to Covid. Lataji called me again in 2021. At that time, I was scared because of the second wave and requested them to give it to me this year. It’s a huge regret that I will not be able to receive it from her. It would have been such a wonderful moment, which I have been denied now. There's also regret that I didn’t go last year when she had invited me personally. It was the last time I spoke to her."

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