In the pan-India Entertainment Industry some screen legends can speak of another legend’s influence with such warmth and gratitude. One such actress to cite is none other than danceuse Vyjayanthima
the iconic actress-dancer of Hindi cinema. The actres recalls her long collaboration with Lata Mangeshkar, whose voice gave life to many of her unforgettable
on-screen moments.
Lataji once mentioned that she found it difficult to sing for her dance numbers
On the contrary, Lata had a difficult time keeping pace with her lightning-fast singing in songs like ‘Neel gagan ki chaon mein’ (Amrapali) and ‘Hothon pe aisi baat’ (Jewel Thief). These songs, and many more, went a long way in shaping me as an actress and dancer on screen.
Waheedaji once said she just followed Lataji’s voice to get her emotions right.
She is absolutely right. When Lataji was singing for me, I always felt safe. Do you know, I agreed to dance to ‘Buddha mil gaya’ in Sangam only after Lataji agreed to sing it? She had her reservations about singing that number, and she ( Vyjayanthima) had hers about performing it. Lata went ahead only because she did.
Did they both meet to overcome these mutual reservations?
No. But Vyjayanthima was convinced only after Lata was.
Songs that she sang for her are closest to her heart?
‘Aaja re pardesi’ from Madhumati was almost like Vyjayanthima’s passport to stardom in Hindi cinema. But the song she holds closest is ‘Aurat ne janam diya mardon ko’ from B.R. Chopra’a Sadhana. The way Lataji rendered the words on the status of women in her society was unmatched. Only she could give that song such depth.
Famous dance she could recall?
The famous dance competition with Helen in Prince, where Lataji sang for you?
Of course! Shankar–Jaikishan composed ‘Muqabla humse na karo,’ where she performed classical dance and Helenji did western steps, while Shammi Kapoorji also joined in. Lataji sang for her Ashaji for Helenji, and Rafi Saab for Shammi. It was a momentous number. Honestly, the credit for my dance should go to Lataji’s singing.
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Did they meet often?
Not as much as she would have liked. Both of them were very busy with their careers. But whenever they did meet, Lata was warm, affectionate, and gracious. She never carried any airs, despite being who she was.
Vijantimala is a great actress,that is why she has a great regard for Lataji. Such artists are rarely born.
News Edit KV Raman
