nner!’ I treat
him as a brother. I got my real break in BR films. It was the era of rising
singers like sister Lataji, Geeta Roy and Shamshad Begum. Going against the
diktat of others, he gave me the offer of singing all the songs of Naya Daur. He
also gave me the opportunity of singing the lilting songs of films like Dhool Ka
Phool, Waqt etc.
 “The
second phone call came from Samar Khan of NDTV. I asked both of them that if
they have personally learnt of the news why wasn’t I officially informed of it
by the concerned authorities. I also went to didi with this query, asking her
about the veracity of the news. She told me that it must be true because unlike
other awards where the winner is asked in advance, this one is announced once
and for all. Whether you receive it or reject it is upto you. And that made me
happy.
“I’m
also glad that the dailies and TV channels are busy organising my interviews. In
this week I have been talking so much that my voice has become hoarse. Honestly,
I have gone into hiding from the telephone onslaught. When a call comes for me,
the caller is informed that I am out of station. I received lots of accolades
but I can’t forget what Gulzarsaab wrote. He faxed me a congratulatory note
— ‘you have been raised to such a great height that it is difficult to meet
you. That’s why I send you my wishes via fax.’
“While
on Dadasaheb Phalke, I would like to say that without him our industry would not
have been what it is today. I am proud of him on two counts — one, the
pervading cirsumstances when he started filmmmaking, and two, because he was
also a Maharashtrian as I am. It is a proud feeling to be given an award that
bears his name.
| 
