On Lata Mangeshkar’s first death anniversary, Saira Banu recalled the close equation she shared with the late singer.
Veteran performer Saira Banu reminisced about the friendship she had with Lata Mangeshkar and Dilip Kumar on the first anniversary of Lata’s passing. Another instance from 1974 that Saira related had Dilip introducing Lata as his sister in London.
Saira stated in an interview with Hindustan Times that “She (Lata) has been my voice in films completely. I had the good fortune to work with her voice in Junglee, my very first movie. She recorded “Ja Ja Ja Mere Bachpan,” my very first song. When asked which heroine she thought her voice best suited, Lata ji said, “Saira Banu,” and I was fortunate enough to see the interview a few years later. I actually collapsed.
Saira stated, “At that time, the relationship between Dilip and Lata was different from what it is today. They would both ride the same train to work together. They resembled brothers and sisters.
The incident at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1974, when Lata Mangeshkar became the first Indian to perform live there, was later described by Saira Banu. Everything was artfully set up. She was introduced on stage by Dilip Saab. Yeh meri chhoti si behen, remarked Dilip sahab. In London, he said that. “Bauhaut hi mukhtasar si,” he added, “means little, doll-like.” She then began to sing. It was ancient history.
Saira claimed that the group kept in touch with one another right up till the end of each person’s life. She revealed that they shared with each other the minutest details and would also get into the details about their health, doctor and medicines.
Saira Banu expressed her disappointment at not being able to attend a celebration honouring Lata Mangeshkar on the first anniversary of her passing. “The doctors have told me to stay indoors and not venture outside. I really wanted to be at this event in Mumbai,” she continued.
