Noor Jehan’s daughter on Lata Mangeshkar: My mother loved Lataji’s Ae Dil-e-Nadan – Exclusive! – Times of India

After the passing of Lata Mangeshkar, ETimes reached out to Noor Jehan’s daughter Nazia Ejaz, who recalled memories of the time when her mother and Lataji used to meet and reminisce about the old Bombay days. Nazia revealed, “Music has no boundaries and finds its way directly to our hearts – and speaks to our souls. Lataji is in the hearts of all those who heard her surili aawaz. My mother, Madam Noor Jehan, had the utmost respect and affection for Lataji and appreciation of her talent.”

Nazia further revealed that Noor Jehan and Lata Mangeshkar would meet on many occasions in London. She said, “They were able to meet in London a few times while vacationing there. I had the privilege of seeing them together. There was warmth and respect and a lot of stories of the old Mumbai and people maa had left behind. Maa would cook for Lataji and they would reminisce. Once I saw Lataji almost shy in front of my maa when she asked her to sing Ae Dil-e-Nadan, Khayyam saab’s glorious composition for Razia Sultan. Maa asked her to sing it for her. She loved that song – especially the silence – used within the composition.”

Like millions around the world, Noor Jehan, too, was an admirer of Lataji’s talent. As Nazia revealed, “I remember, maa once said in an interview, ‘Lata Lata hai’. All those who love music, all those who have heard Lataji’s golden voice, mourn her – she will forever be in our hearts. I am very grateful to have had all these great masters as the soundtrack of my life.”