Ameen Sayani: I never called her Lata didi because she was so youthful

Lata Mangeshkar and Ameen Sayani

Veteran radio presenter of 'Binaca Geetmala' that aired on Radio Ceylon, Ameen Sayani, shared a close bond with Lata Mangeshkar. Speaking to mid-day.com, he paid a tribute to the 'Nightingale of India'.

Sayani says, "My heart is full of sorrow because Lata was not only the queen of Indian melody, but also my sister. While she was just two-three years elder to me, I never called her Lata didi because we had a close bond and she was so youthful. Each time she was at my house, she used to be full of happiness. I don't remember the last time I met her, but when she fell ill, I sent her a letter, saying I never called her didi because she was eight years younger to me. My wife and I always had an amazing time with Lata whenever we used to visit her at Peddar Road. She always treated us to lovely food and songs, that used to feature so high on my Geetmala program. Lata having died, a lot of lovely memories have passed away. I hope she sings in heaven and gives heaven melody."