On Kapil Sharma’s show some weeks ago, the once-elusive, now over-gregarious Rekha submitted a slammer when she did an imitation of the Goddess Of Music Lata Mangeshkar. Seeing the cheering (or was it jeering?) response, Rekha was encouraged into launching into a shocking anecdote that concluded with Lataji calling Rekha ‘Mumma Mumma’ in public.
A source very close to Lataji has now come forward questioning the authenticity and dignity of the anecdote. “First of all, that is not Lata Didi’s language. If she had to call out anyone as a mother—which is impossible—Lata Didi would say Maai Or Maa, not Mumma. Secondly, the entire incident was twisted out of all recognizable proportion.”
So what really happened? “Rekhaji for all her quest for cuteness, had spoken to Lata Didi about the desire to have Lata Didi as her daughter in her next life. Lataji laughed goodnaturedly at Rekha’s wish, and that was that. The rest of the story, I am sorry to say, is concocted. Lata Didi never ran to Rekhaji shouting, ‘Mumma, Mumma’ This claim is not only ridiculous it attacks the supreme dignity of Lataji’s conduct. She never acted over-friendly in her home with those close to her; where is the question of her behaving so chummily with an actress in public?” the source close to Lataji asks angrily.
A legendary actress close to Rekha, who was also close to Lataji, says, “This doesn’t seem right. Lataji never behaved this way. I think she( Rekha) is trying to shed her private image by sharing anecdotes with the public.”
All we can say is, please spare the Legend.
