Amitabh remembers that Lata gave him a start |For his career
On Wednesday, Amitabh Bachchan, the veteran actor, received the prestigious Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award. The actor stated in his victory speech that he never thought he was “worthy” of the prize. He did, however, remark that Hridyanath Mangeshkar’s efforts convinced him to go to the function. “He (Hridyanath) even invited me to this ceremony last year,” he remarked. I apologize to you for the last time, Hridyanath ji. That’s when I told you I was sick. Despite my health, I was unwilling to come here. I had to come here this year since I had no other choice.
The actor also recalled an instance at a related function where he started speaking in Hindi and someone yelled, “Marathi, Marathi.” Then, admitting that he was still learning the language, he said something in Marathi. The actor did acknowledge that he is still a beginner in the language, though.
Amitabh spoke about a fascinating tale while traveling down memory lane. “Many artists from our film industry have gone abroad to perform on stage in recent years,” the actor stated. Maybe people don’t know that I even did these kinds of things, and if you think about how it started, I was kind of the one who got to do it. When a friend told me Lata Ji was in New York and would like to see you, I was in New York in 1981.
“There’s a program of mine here. I want you to come on stage for just two minutes and introduce me,” Lata ji said to him when he went to meet her, he said. She asked me to do this, and I couldn’t understand why, but since she’s Lata Mangeshkar, I complied.
Lata Mangeshkar interrupted Amitabh as he was ready to go, saying, “Amitabh ji, listen, we’ve heard that you’ve recently sung a song in one of your films?” Amitabh was forced to perform the song at the function by the late singer. “Mere Angne Mein” was the song, and the movie was Laawaris.
Amitabh expressed how taken aback he was by the response from the crowd. “Some audience members began clapping, while others began dancing,” he stated. Upon seeing this, my friend said to me, “Brother, you’ll have programs every year in different countries abroad.” And thus this initiative got its beginnings.
After Lata Mangeshkar’s death in 2022, the family and the trust established the award in her honor.
Collaborations with Lata Mangeshkar
Following the success of their collaboration at the Madison Square Garden, Amitabh Bachchan received numerous opportunities to share the stage with Lata Mangeshkar. The duo mesmerized audiences with their powerful performances, creating a unique blend of acting and singing. Their collaborations became a benchmark for future Bollywood actors who wished to explore the world of live concerts.
The Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar Award
In recognition of his exceptional dedication to the nation, its people, and society, Amitabh Bachchan was honored with the prestigious Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar Award. Established in memory of the late Bharat Ratna awardee and legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, this award celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields. Amitabh’s receipt of this award solidified his status as a Bollywood legend and further cemented his connection with Lata Mangeshkar.
The Birth of a New Trend
At the Madison Square Garden, Amitabh Bachchan performed the song “Mere Angne Mein” from the film “Lawaaris.” This marked the beginning of a new trend in the entertainment industry, where film stars started participating in live stage shows. The audience, enthralled by Amitabh’s performance, applauded and danced to the tunes of the song. This groundbreaking event laid the foundation for Bollywood actors to showcase their singing talents on stage, captivating audiences worldwide.
Impact on the Entertainment Industry
Amitabh Bachchan’s foray into live stage shows had a profound impact on the entertainment industry. His successful collaborations with Lata Mangeshkar inspired other Bollywood actors to explore their singing talents on stage. This new trend not only added a fresh dimension to live concerts but also provided audiences with a unique and immersive experience. Amitabh’s contributions to the field of live performances continue to influence aspiring artists and shape the future of the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Amitabh Bachchan’s journey from Bollywood to live concerts is a testament to his versatility and passion for the arts. His encounter with Lata Mangeshkar in New York City opened doors to a new world of opportunities, allowing him to showcase his singing talents on stage. Through his collaborations with Lata Mangeshkar, Amitabh left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, inspiring future generations of actors to explore the realm of live performances. As we reflect on his remarkable journey, we celebrate the fusion of acting and singing that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
