The album… comprises of all my favourite numbers, beginning with my father’s songs,” reveals Lataji of the five CD collection, released through Sa Re Ga Ma. “In fact all these numbers have impressed me in some way or the other. It will be very difficult for me to point out what exactly I may have liked in these songs,” she says.
According to reports, Lataji has been invited by Pakistan, but when quizzed on this she says, “I have not yet received any invitation from Pakistan.” But would she like to go if invited? “We will see at that time,” she answers diplomatically, continuing, “I love my fans from all over the world and thank them for giving me so much love and adulation. Whatever I am today is because of the love of all my fans.”
“The craft of filmmaking has changed drastically,” she says when asked about the changes in Bollywood down the years. “There has been an overall change in the films of Bollywood. Not only the dancing style has changed but there is a major change in the style of acting, clothes etc.” She refuses to say if the latest songs win her nod. “The audiences are the best judge,” she says.
On a lighter note, she reveals her love for Twitter. “I can wish some of my friends on their birthday. Also, I like to mention a few lines about our heroes on their birth/death anniversary, who sacrificed their lives for obtaining freedom for our country from the clutches of the British,” she says. “A few lines of mine on Twitter can at least refresh the minds of our youth, who are enjoying their independent lives in this democratic country.”
And when she’s not busy tweeting, she enjoys watching television at home. “I love to watch CID. That is one serial I watch almost regularly. Another serial I love is Kaun Banega Crorepati,” she reveals, “Also I love to watch Amitabh’s films on TV.” After a pause she adds, “Aamir Khan, Shahrukh and Salman Khan too are brilliant actors. I watch their movies too. Rani and Kajol are my favourite actresses.”
Her all time favourite composer is Jatin Lalit, and among singers she likes Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan and Udit Narayan.
Do her grandchildren too have a love for music? “Yes! Asha’s granddaughter loves classical singing. Meena’s kids are too young. But I cannot say what their future has in store for them. All I can say is if they work hard and have a passion for singing, they will make a place for themselves.”
Undoubtedly, the nightingale’s voice is unparalleled. But reflecting on this she quips, “I cannot point out anyone with a voice like me or Asha Bhosale. But who knows, one day we might get a singer even better than both of us.”