Documentary filmmaker and author on her new book, <i >Lata Mangeshkar...in Her Own Voice</i>
Yes, it was in 1991 for Channel 4 London. I thought a book on Lata in her own words would always be welcome.
What’re you telling us that we don’t know?
She’s a very private person and hasn’t given many interviews so it’s really her journey, her work, how she approached songs and various things which I have never heard before.
Your documentary was a big hit.
Yes. I don’t think there’s been another on her.
How did Lata react to the idea then?
She had seen my docu on Guru Dutt and based on that she seemed to like my work.
And the book?
I approached her and she said ‘go ahead’. I had twenty long sessions over the phone because I was in London. I came to Mumbai in October and till March we had many discussions.
How good is her memory?
Far superior than most people’s, it is brilliant. Most singers memorise songs. She has photographic memory of musical compositions so she has it complete in her mind.
Did she talk about Asha?
Yes. She says the press has made a big thing of it. They are sisters, they are neighbours and they live on the same floor. They do talk and have a close relationship.
Did she say why she didn’t sing O.P. Nayyar’s compositions?
She said her voice did not suit his kind of composition. She talked about how his compositions stressed on certain words like ’aaaa...iii...yeee meherbaan’—a style that suited Asha.
Your first impression of her in 1991?
I was humbled by her. Here’s a woman of extraordinary intelligence, focus and a great listener.
Anything that surprised you?
That her favourite film is The King and I and she has seen it alone 15 times at New Empire. She’d sneak in alone and watch it.