Lata Mangeshkar

International pitch for Lata

After more than 60 years as the voice of Hindi cinema, Lata Mangeshkar may finally get around to her first international album. The composer who is persuading Lataji to take the plunge is the Lata bhakt Aadesh Shrivastav.

Says Aadesh, "In the album that I've just done with hip-hop artist Wyclef Jean, I want Lata didi to contribute alaaps. Only she can bring that sense of melodious grace and harmony to that album. I've contributed extensively to the percussion section of the album, especially on the dhol. But without Lata didi's voice my first international album would be adhura."

Lataji, currently putting the finishing touches to her first ghazal album in two decades, is considering the offer.

"She has to do it. Ashaji has gone international so many times. Lataji, barring that remix of Bappi Lahiri's Thoda resham lagta hai hasn't done an international album. I'll convince her," promises Aadesh.