Boney Kapoor recalls ‘pleading’ to Lata Mangeshkar for the call: God was kind
In a candid interview, producer Boney Kapoor shared how much effort he put in to include Lata Mangeshkar in the film Pukar. Despite his health issues, Mangeshkar’s participation in the song Ek Tu Hi Bharosa marked a defining moment in the film.
Renowned producer Boney Kapoor recently revealed what efforts he had put in to ensure the role of the legendary Lata Mangeshkar in the iconic song – Ek Tu Hi Bharosa – from the 2000 film – Pukar. Speaking to O2 India, Kapoor revealed the lengths to which he went to fulfill director Rajkumar Santoshi’s vision for the film.
“I guess God was kind. I begged and pleaded and somehow he saw my madness and passion. I showed him the film that we had shot till then. I said, ‘Only you can do justice to it’, Boney Kapoor shared during the interview.
The producer explained that the idea of including Lata Mangeshkar came when Santoshi expressed the need for a highly respected person to lend her presence and voice to the song.
He said, “In fact, when the situation was thought of, Rajkumar Santoshi told me, ‘Bonnie, I want either Mother Teresa or Lata Mangeshkar. I need a very pious personality to sing this song. Mother Teresa was not there, she had already passed away and I was left with no option but to get Lata Mangeshkar.
Kapoor described his continuous search for the famous singer, which lasted for months. “I followed him for 3-5 months. I used to meet and talk to him every day. She was very sweet and agreeable. She also came to Hyderabad and stayed there for a week. We shot at night and he was not well those days. She had some illness, but she was there! He also liked the situation and the song.
Reflecting on this achievement, Kapoor expressed his gratitude for Mangeshkar’s involvement. “I feel blessed, I am the only filmmaker who took Lata Mangeshkar on screen and made her sing in the film. Getting him to sing in a film was a big deal, and still is,” he said.
Ek Tu Hi Bharosa, written by Majrooh Sultanpuri and Javed Akhtar, is remembered as one of the most soulful tracks of Pukar. Lata Mangeshkar, often referred to as the “Nightingale of India”, left an indelible mark on Indian music with her melodious voice in multiple languages.
Lata Mangeshkar passed away in 2022 due to COVID-related complications, but her contribution to music will continue to inspire generations.
