Asha Parekh recalls childhood and film career at Nagpur's 'Deepsandhya' musical evening

Veteran actress Asha Parekh shared many memories of her acting career at 'Kuch Yaadein Kuch Nagme', a cultural programme held under 'Deepsandhya' at Shivajinagar Udyan in Nagpur. The presence of Parekh, a Padma Shri and Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient, reminded the audience of the golden era of Hindi cinema.

The programme was organised by the Shivaji Maharaj Kruti Samiti. On stage, chef Vishnu Manohar spoke with Parekh and drew out her memories from childhood to her film career.

Recalling her old ties with Nagpur, Parekh said two of her maternal aunts lived in the city, so she often visited when she was 8 or 9 years old. She later got the chance to visit Nagpur twice more. She said a programme on Rajesh Khanna's songs was her last programme in Nagpur.

Speaking of her childhood, Parekh said she was a 'tomboy' who played with boys. She also spoke about her experience of working with Shammi Kapoor. Malvani-style fish curry and her favourite foods also came up.

Talking about the difficulties of shooting in earlier times, Parekh said the light from reflectors was very harsh in those days. It hurt the eyes and she had to wear glasses, but people assumed she had been drinking.

She also recounted the shooting of the famous song 'Aaja Aaja' from the film 'Teesri Manzil'. According to Parekh, she had an allergy during the shoot. The shoot was at 2 pm and she had to work even after taking medicine. She said an artist has to work whether she has a fever or is unwell, and that is why an artist is an artist.

Expressing happiness at the warm welcome, Parekh said in Marathi that she was born in the state of Maharashtra, so she must know how to speak Marathi. She also openly praised Maharashtra's rich literary tradition.

The musical part of the programme was also special. Based on a concept by singer Niranjan Bobde, and with music arrangement by Bobde and Mahendra Dhole, a team of 30 artists performed evergreen Hindi film songs. The evening was thus filled with both memories and melodious songs.