I don’t want to hear it: Lata Mangeshkar on Vaani Kapoor's version of iconic 'Ni Main Yaar Manana Ni' song

Vaani Kapoor recently did a music video to the remixed version of Lata Mangeshkar’s classic Ni Main Yaar Manana Ni Chahe Log Boliyan Bole song. The song has been sung by Yashita Sharma and remixed by Hitesh Modak.

For those who came in late, this dance number from Yash Chopra’s Daag (1973) filmed on Padma Khanna and another dancer identified as ‘Aruna’ was sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Minoo Purushottam. The latter had just a few accompanying lines to sing. During the shooting, both dancers ended up sharing the same voice, as neither wanted the secondary ghost-voice.

So, what does the veteran singer think of the new remix of the song featuring Vaani? She says, “I haven’t heard this new version. Nor would I want to hear it. So, I wouldn’t want to comment on it. But in principle, I’ve always been opposed to remixes and cover versions of classics. They shouldn’t be touched. So many of Pancham’s, Madan Mohan’s and Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s songs have been tampered with; beats and lyrics are modified. It’s like rooms being added or removed from the Taj Mahal. These composers knew what they were doing. I don’t think their efforts need any boosting.”

Mangeshkar reminisces about Ni Main Yaar Manana Ni,  “This was a special song because  it was done in a robust khula-galaa Bhangra style that my sister Asha (Bhosle) specialises in. I was wondering if I was right for it. But it turned out to be a superhit in Daag.”