Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman Wednesday honoured the legacy of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), shedding light on her monumental contributions to Indian music and cinema.
This was Rahman’s first public appearance after announcing his separation from wife Saira Banu on November 20 after 29 years of marriage.
Rahman, the keynote speaker at the Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Talk at IFFI, reflected on the late singer’s unmatched artistry and dedication. “Getting praise from her was very difficult because she had attained that level of perfection,” he said.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Rahman reminisced about a challenging yet memorable collaboration with Mangeshkar. “In 2014, when I was working on Kapil Sibal ji’s album, she was not well. I waited for her for three months. She quickly recorded other songs, but for this one, she had some apprehensions. Finally, she gave a date, and I came all the way from Los Angeles to record her. I went to the studio, and she said, ‘I don't feel well’. So, I went back to LA,” he recounted with a smile.
Rahman further praised the iconic singer, saying, “Her body of work, aura, sacrifice, and dedication to the art inspire all of us.”
Apart from the memorial talk, Rahman was also present at the screening of his latest production venture, Headhunting to Beatboxing, a musical documentary exploring the evolution of music in Nagaland.
Speaking about the project, Rahman said, “Headhunting to Beatboxing is a very inspirational tale. I visited and observed what was happening... The evolution was so inspirational that I felt it was a story that could inspire many. Most people don’t even know about this new Nagaland.”
The documentary, previously showcased at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) in August, delves into Nagaland’s rich musical history. It traces the journey of rhythm and sound from the headhunting traditions of tribal communities to the modern musical innovations of the state.
The 55th edition of IFFI, which began on November 20, featured over 180 international films from 81 countries. The festival’s lineup includes 16 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 43 Asian premieres, and 109 Indian premieres. The event concludes today.
