India's Nightingale Lata Mangeshkar has denied a newspaper report saying that she is having sleepless nights due to noisy bikers on Pedder Road, Mumbai. The Mumbai Mirror on Monday had reported that Pedder Road's most famous resident was contemplating moving out after 50 years. Lata Mangeshkar in a statement on Monday said, she had no intention of moving out from her house on Pedder Road.
The newspaper had reported that the deafening roar of bikes racing down Pedder Road in the dead of night is causing unease for Lata Mangeshkar. Lata Mangeshkar has been living in Prabhu Kunj building for 50 years. Mirror reported that Lata was reportedly planning to move to a quieter part of the city.
According to the Mirror report , a source close to the 81-year-old singer who also lives in the building said, “Didi's health has been suffering because of the incessant traffic. Her first-floor apartment faces the street, which is teeming with cars and bikes all through the day and even at night. It is absolutely impossible to get a sound night's sleep.”
Increasing 24X7 traffic may not unique to Pedder Road, but the problem here has been compounded with bikers on heavyduty machines vrooming down at 100 kmph after midnight.
“Every time a biker races down Pedder Road and deliberately revs up his engine, the building vibrates badly. We remain awake all night, so does Didi,” says the source.
“This is not good given her frail condition. Sadly, no one seems to have raised any objections to this menace so far,” he added.
Mangeshkar has lived in this house with her sister Asha Bhosle for decades, before the latter moved out to stay with her son in Khar.
“If things get worse, Didi too may move to her house in Lower Parel,” added the source. Sources in Prabhu Kunj say Mangeshkar has apparently started shifting her valuables out of her apartment.
When approached, the Bharat Ratna awardee said, “I have shifted all my trophies and awards from Prabhu Kunj to our hospital in Pune. My three-bedroom flat couldn't accommodate them any more. I've now taken over a small part of our hospital for private occupancy. There was no other option.”
She also admitted, “My health is getting affected by the noise. But at this stage in my life, I don't know if I can stay anywhere else. I have lived here with my family for 50 years after all.”
Additional CP (traffic) Brijesh Singh said, “There are 717 vehicles per km on Mumbai's roads with 450 vehicles being bought every day. South Mumbai roads were not designed for this kind of traffic. When eminent citizens like Lata Mangeshkar raise the issue, it changes things at policy level. As far as bikers are concerned, we will take necessary steps with the help of local police and residents.” ‘
Biker gangs were active on the Bandra reclamation stretch till April 2009 as the sea link was incomplete. While their stunts drew some appreciation initially, the police were soon flooded with complaints. After a crackdown the gangs have all but gone underground though late in the night they are still seen racing along Marine Drive and the Western Express Highway.
A college drop-out who helps his father fashion the choppers (modified bikes with exaggerated handlebars, mud guards, etc) told Mirror, “The thrill is unmatched. We invest much more than money in our bikes. This is our passion. As an artiste she should understand.”
