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Squashing all rumours that his forthcoming film Guzaarish is based on several Hollywood films, particularly Christopher Nolan's The Prestige, Sanjay Leela Bhansali says that the film is actually a tribute to the voice of Lata Mangeshkar. After his directorial debut film, Khamoshi: The Musical, Bhansali once again returns to Goa where the Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer will be shot in July and August to capture the monsoon melody and romance of the place. Lata's songs and their lyrics has been used to fuel the intense love story. For instance, the song Hai tere saath meri wafaa, main nahin to kya? forms an important part of the film. Bhansali said, "I learnt direction from her voice. Guzaarish is my tribute to Lataji's artistry." Not only the characters but also the screenplay is inspired by Lata's indefatigable passion for excellence. Last week, Bhansali met Lata for the first time to seek her blessings before starting Guzaarish. The meeting, which lasted for nearly two hours, happened on Thursday at a suburban music studio owned by Lataji's protg composer Mayuresh Pai. Commenting on the meeting, Bhansali said, "I was always afraid of meeting her. I'd pass by her Peddar Road home 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 (starting) Guzaarish I had to meet her. In person she's as magical as she is 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 were chosen to play the passionate lovers in the film because to Bhansali they epitomise the physical and spiritual beauty of Lata's voice. Every singer in Guzaarish has been asked to copy Lata's style of singing. To this, Lata laughed and said, "Even I have heard he makes his singers hear my songs over and over again before making them sing. I've always been a big fan of Sanjay's films especially 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." I'd pass by Lataji's Peddar Road home and hope for a glimpse of my goddess on her balcony —Sanjay Leela Bhansali |
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