Hema Malini says ‘would like to play Lata Mangeshkar in her biopic’

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away on February 6, breaking million hearts all across the world. Many Bollywood celebrities mourned the irreparable loss. In a recent interview, Hema Malini revealed her relationship with Lata Ji was not only professional but personal as well.

The dream girl said, “In my first film, Sapnon Ka Saudagar (1968), I had the privilege of having Lataji sing two songs for me: “Seekha Nahin Sabak Tu Ney Pyar Ka” and “Nadaan Ki Dosti Jee Ki Jalan”. Does she actually remember her songs from her first film? Of course! It was a great privilege to have Lataji sing for a new Tamil girl in her Hindi debut. When I heard my songs in Sapnon Ka Saudagar (1968), I began listening to her old songs to understand how deep her talent ran.”

“I was blessed. She was really, really fond of me. Both me and my husband, Dharamji, I was the recipient of many gifts from her. She would send me beautiful handpicked saris. Once, she even sent me coffee mugs with my face on them. For someone who barely stepped out of her home, it must have taken her so much effort to get the custom-made mugs. But that’s how she was. I have never seen such talent and, on top of that, such generosity in anyone," she added further.

When the interviewer informed the actress that Lata ji felt that she was the best person to play ‘Lata Mangeshkar’ if a biopic was made, and Lata ji found her beautiful, the actress said, "Really? That Lataji found me beautiful, I know. She would tell me ‘Aap bahot sundar hain.’ Coming from the most beautiful voice in the universe, it felt heavenly. But I didn’t know she wanted me to play her in her biopic. I wish some reputed producer would sign me to play her. It would be an honour.”