Lata Mangeshkar- Mohammad Rafi

A news item quoting  the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar as saying that the Late Mohammad Rafi , another legendary   singer had tendered her  an written apology  on differences  over the issue of royalty, when she had refused to sing with him -  is disgusting. Such a  statement   coming in the wake of   Lata Mangeshkar’s  83^rd  birthday, when millions of  music lovers  across the  world   would be greeting her  and praying for  & wishing  for her long life , is certainly  uncalled for , ill timed   and  out of place , as  Rafi  Sahib   bade adieu to this world more than three decades back. I wonder, what points Lata Mangeshkar   was seeking to score, when  the issue  presents Rafi  in a  better light- as he emerges as a fine human being the least materialistically inclined . All he had said that there was no question of royalty  being claimed by  the singer or  the artiste  when he had already been paid .Rafi Saheb was  a loving and lovable person with no rancour or ill will towards any one.How hurt he must have felt when  forced to seek an apology.The reaction of Rafi Sahib’s son is  only natural , as  Rafi  was no less a  celebrity or a  legend  than Lata Mangeshkar  though comparisons seem odious at times .  Together they sang  many  unforgettable duets.

Mirror fast

 A few days back , I read about ‘ mirror fast ‘  being recommended   for  celebrities, especially those , whose looks  matter a lot as far as their profession is concerned. The celebrities would naturally include  film actors, stage artistes ,  media presenters  etc. Fortunately or unfortunately, I have been signing papers and pushing files   throughout my working career  which has had nothing to do my looks. Still age catching up with you is the concern of all ; crow’s  feet , furrowed face, laughing lines appearing all of a sudden are no laughing matter even for a less- than- ordinary –looks   person  like me. I have been virtually  on a mirror fast for quite some years, though, I have discovered the term only lately or may be  this  is a new invention altogether. What with the ever growing and burgeoning cosmetics   and wellness  industry , age does take its toll on all of us , so why not   accept the reality and face old age and fading & sagging  looks  gracefully ! Why run away from the mirror  and observe ‘mirror fast ‘ which is just like burying  one’s head in the sand  like an ostrich !