New Delhi: Melody Queen Lata Mangeshkar’s younger sisters Asha Bhosle and Meena Khadikar have come forward to express their displeasure over comedian Tanmay Bhat’s controversial video which made fun of ‘Lata Didi’.
In the video, Tanmay used face swapping tool to impose Lata ji’s face on him and was seen cracking derogatory jokes on the legendary singer. Such representation of the Bharat Ratna awardee has irked everyone including the celebrities and commoners.
Bollywood personalities like Anupam Kher , Riteish Deshmukh, Paresh Rawal and Subhash Ghai have condemned the video.
While Lata ji chose to react with subtlety to the video her younger sisters have a say on this matter.
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In an interview to a leading daily, Asha Bhosle said she hasn’t watched the video nor does she intend to and that she wants government to take note of such issue.
"I have not seen the video nor do I intend to. My grandson Chintu informed me about it as I don't even watch television. I don't want to say anything except for we are talking about a woman (Lata didi), who has worked for 70-80 years of her life, spreading joy and happiness through her music. I now want to wait and watch how many people will stand by us. Most people have a knack of debating about it for a couple of days and forgetting about it. Aaplya deshat, Bharat Ratnancha kiti aadar aahe hey baghaycha aahe (I want to see what respect and honour do the Bharat Ratnas get in our country). The government has bestowed this honour upon them. They must make a note of this."
Lataji’s youngest sister Meena Khadikar also reacted on the video and urged the news channels to not to play it on repeat.
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"We don't know who this man is nor have we discussed this issue with Lata didi. Even news channels should follow some discretion and avoid replaying that video on TV as our phone hasn't stopped ringing for the past two days. She is 86 years old. Her health is sensitive and this is the last thing she needs to know."
She further added that they have nothing against humour, provided it's in good taste.
“Reacting to the video is giving it undue importance. We avoid talking about these things as it can be misinterpreted and may evoke some other unnecessary controversy. The government should take action against this and people should speak up if they love us. Sachin has achieved so much in his life at such a young age. He has immense respect for didi and vice versa. These are Bharat Ratna awardees. Tyanchya vishayi kahitari ghanerda bolaycha (Talking rubbish about them) in the name of comedy is disgusting. We have nothing against humour, provided it's in good taste. Several comedians have mimicked Lata didi in the past. Johny Lever mimics Asha but they are funny. None of that made us angry. This is repulsive. There's absolute disregard for her age or achievements."
An FIR has been filed against Tanmay Bhat and the Mumbai Police have also started the investigation. While many believe that the video is insensitive, it does not tantamount to a criminal offence, said rime council Mahesh Jethmalani to a leading daily.
