Bhansali Finally Meets His Idol…. “Guzaarish Is A Homage To Lataji”: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

So far you’ve been reading very strange reports linking Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest film Guzaarish to all sorts of Hollywood films.

But here’s the truth. Bhansali’s Hrithik Roshan–Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Guzaarish which will be shot at a stretch in Goa in July and August to capture the monsoonal melody and romance of the place, is actually a tribute to the voice of Lata Mangeshkar.

As Bhansali returns to Goa after his directorial debut in Khamoshi: The Musical he has formulated what can only be called the complete homage to the most flawless voice ever created.

Every nuance and curve in the intense love story is inspired by the songs of Lata Mangeshkar.

“I learnt direction from her voice. Guzaarish is my tribute to Lataji’s artistry,” says Bhansali emotionally.

Besides the characters who embody the divine beauty and rapturous ecstacy of Lataji’s throat, the screenplay too is inspired by Lataji’s indefatigable passion for excellence.

Last week Bhansali petrified of meeting his idol role-model and cinematic inspiration had to set aside his anxieties and meet the Nightingale for the first time to seek her blessings before plunging into Guzaarish.

The historic meeting happened on Thursday at a suburban music studio owned Lataji’s protégé composer Mayuresh Pai. It lasted for nearly two hours.

“But it was like a whole eternity passing by for me. I had always been afraid of meeting her. I’d always pass by her home in Peddar Road and hope for a glimpse of my goddess on her balcony. But to actually come face to face with her was a scary thought. One doesn’t hobnob with one’s God. But before Guzaarish I had to meet her . I just wanted to sit and gaze at her. I realized in person she’s as magical as she in her singing. There’s something other-worldly about her,a quality I haven’t encountered in anyone else in my life.”

Hrithik and Aishwarya have been chosen to play the passionate lovers in Guzaarish because to Bhansali they epitomize the physical and spiritual beauty of Lataji’s voice.Every singer male or female, has been asked to copy Lataji’s style of singing.

Laughs Lataji, “Even I had heard that he makes his singers hear my songs over and over again before making them sing. I’ve always been a g fan of Sanjay’s films specially Black. I remember watching the Filmfare awards in the year of Black. Every time the nominations were announced I prayed for Black to win. And it did. If I’m a source of inspiration to him then I count myself fortunate.”