Subhash K Jha

Mumbai:

Bollywood singing sensation Sunidhi Chauhan is furious with the Press, saying she has been misquoted yet again — this time on Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. “I seem to be landing myself in one controversy after another. First my broken marriage made unsavoury headlines.

I never wanted my private life to be people’s entertainment - I’d rather let my singing do the needful,” Sunidhi told HNS. “Then I was supposed to have quarrelled with Adnan Sami during his concerts abroad. And now, worst of all I’m supposed to have made negative comments about the singing goddesses Lataji and Ashaji.” The comment where Sunidhi is quoted as saying, “Gone is the golden era of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle,” has snowballed into a major controversy, with Lata fans protesting what they see as an uncalled for statement by a chit of a girl.

One of the most prominent Lata fans, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is deeply offended. “If what Sunidhi has been quoted as saying is true, then I’m sorry to say she’s way out of line. Lataji and Ashaji are not just senior legendary singers. They’re an integral part of our culture and ethos.” But Sunidhi is aghast at the suggestion of disrespect to Lata and Asha. “I’ve grown up worshipping Lataji. To me it’s unimaginable to even dare to open my mouth in front of her, let alone disrespect her. I feel so humbled by her presence. And I feel it’s strange that I’m being dragged into this. “I never said that the era of Lataji and Ashaji is over. The statement is completely fabricated. Among all the singers of my generation, I’m the one Lataji has constantly singled out for praise. When I met her she was so affectionate. She presented me with a sari. Am I crazy to say something so absurd?”

Deeply upset, Sunidhi lashes out: “Earlier a section of the Press wrote that I had quarrelled with Adnan Sami and left his concerts abroad. How can anyone fight with Adnan? He’s too sweet a person for bickering. “I’ve had enough. I won’t talk to the press, if I’m constantly misquoted and dragged into embarrassing controversies. I’d rather focus on my work. I know I’ve a long way to go. I can’t even dream of getting where Lataji, Ashaji and Alkaji (Alka Yagnik) have reached.”