This will probably come as a major surprise for those who are dedicated fans of Yash Chopra. It is being reported that India’s nightingale Lata Mangeshkar will not be singing the songs for his latest directorial venture Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012). Lata has lent her voice to the majority of Yash Chopra’s films which include Daag (1973), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Chandni (1989), Lamhe (1991) and Veer-Zaara (2004), to name just a few. Her voice has contributed massively towards the popularity of Yash’s films and their musical soundtrack. This has helped them to transform into cult classics. Therefore, as fans are used to seeing this regular duo come together over the years, it was assumed by many that Lata would to return to sing for Jab Tak Hai Jaan. However, this is not the case and for many hard-core Yash Chopra fans, it will no doubt be difficult to listen to the songs for this film without Lata, who has been the voice of his leading heroines for decades.
A source close to the project reported to the journalist of a leading Indian newspaper that Yash’s son Aditya Chopra (also the producer of this film) and the rest of the team were instrumental in the decision to leave Lata out of the film’s soundtrack. In addition, they stated the following: “Yash Chopra was adamant that Lataji sing. It’s a commitment he has made to her and to himself. Yashji’s new film’s music composer A.R. Rahman and lyricist Gulzar were also keen to bring together the ‘Lataji-AR-Gulzar’ team together once again. But the rest of the crew felt Lataji’s voice didn’t match Katrina Kaif’s voice at all. They regretfully decided to make do without Lataji’s voice.”
Unsure as to why she has been left of the current project of her very close friend, Lata stated the following to a newspaper: “I don’t now know what Yashji has in mind for me. If he calls me I will go without a second thought. He’s very dear to me, like my brother. Whether I sing for his new film or not doesn’t take away my love for him. Maybe there’s nothing suitable for me this time.”
Before Jab Tak Hai Jaan has even released, there has definitely been a shockwave spreading around Yash Chopra fans. Whether they will be able to enjoy its soundtrack without Lata’s enchanting voice is difficult to predict. But one thing is for sure: Lata Mangeshkar’s voice has been the one which has always sweetened the songs for many of Yash Chopra’s films!
Jab Tak Hai Jaan, starring Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma in the leading roles officially releases in cinemas on 13 November 2012.
