Lata Didi - छोटी सी याद

Lata Mangeshkar had accepted our invitation to be the chief guest of the 1997 BMM convention in Boston, and we were all thrilled. She would be accompanied by all Mangeshkars (except Asha Bhosle). We made all the arrangements, including a limousine from the airport and security details. She would be staying at the Presidential Suite in a hotel attached to the convention center.

Since I was in charge of all the programs for the convention, I was going to get an opportunity to meet Lata Didi. A day before, we had to brief her about the event. My associate and I went to the hotel lobby and informed that we were there. As the lift was ascending I was a bit nervous. We rang the bell of the Presidential Suite. Didi’s assistant opened the door.

I had imagined a very different scene than what I saw inside. In that expansive living room, all Mangeshkars were casually chatting. With Lata Didi were, Meena Tai, Usha Tai, Hridaynath Ji, his wife and children all in a relaxed mood. Dressed comfortably and at home. Didi was telling Radha and Adinath that they would go shopping in the afternoon.

Didi asked us to sit down. Asked, if we would have some tea. And before we could say no, she got up and went to the kitchen to bring the tray. She made the tea herself and offered it to us.

We started the conversation with the planning of the event ; who will pick her up, what time the event would begin, the traditional lamp lighting, her speech, etc., etc.. Her assistant noted all the details and she gave her agreement. At the end she looked at me and said, “I have a request”." I said, "Sure". "I am a bit short, so I will need a small stool behind the podium to stand.” I said,"sure, no problem". And we left very enchanted and excited.

We were fortunate to spend half hour in the company of Lata Didi. There was no star attitude. Just casual, beautiful experience.

It was the opening day of the convention. Auditorium was packed. Four to five thousand people from North America had gathered to listen to Lata Mangeshkar speak and enjoy other events. It was an electrifying atmosphere. The stage was decorated with a backdrop of a Maratha fort. Lata Didi and all the dignitaries were seated.

The event began. I was standing in the wing, keeping an eye on the details of the proceedings. On the stage the master of ceremony (MC) had started the welcome speech. Finally he began to introduce Lata Didi and to invite her to speak.

Just then, I looked at the podium. My heart sank. I started sweating. In all the hustle, I had forgotten about Didi’s request. Now what will happen? I had forgotten a small request from such a great person. But then I gathered myself and looked around the back stage. Set decoration team had left some stuff that was scattered around. And I spotted a small step stool. I ran quickly and picked up the stool.

There the MC had invited Didi to the Podium and was walking towards her seat. I took the opportunity and quickly placed the step stool behind the podium. Lata Didi got up from her seat and walked to the podium. She gracefully stepped on the stool and delivered an excellent speech.

I watched in awe from the wing. Elated that I was able to fulfill Didi’s small request. She was standing on the stool that I had placed. It felt like I had touched her feet.

…अचानक ये मन किसी के जाने के बाद
करे फिर उसकी याद…

दीदींना आदरांजली। ॐ शांती।


Uday Virkud
Wayland, MA

Copyright -2/7/2022