Subhash K Jha (DNA; April 24, 2015)

Every year on the occasion of her father’s death anniversary the Nightingale Lata Mangeshkar honours distinguished artistes from various walks of life. This year on the occasion of her father Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar’s death anniversary on April 24, the Nightingale has decided to honour Anil Kapoor.

Thrilled to bits, Anil who was scheduled to fly to LA on the 24th says he has postponed his trip by a day. “I cannot say no to Lataji. To be honoured by her and that too with an award named after her father, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ve pushed ahead my commitment in LA by a day to April 25. I’ll be heading straight to the airport after getting my award from Lataji.”

Anil points out the significance of number 24 in his life. “I was born on December 24. My serial is called 24. And now Lataji will honour me on April 24.”

Anil regrets he had once before missed the opportunity of receiving the award as he was in the US then. “But this time there is no way I will miss it,” he says.

Lata laughs warmly when told of Anil’s enthusiasm about the award. “He is an actor we wanted to honour for quite a while. I am personally very fond of his work. I enjoy all his performances. I specially like him in Pukar and Nayak. In fact, I made an appearance in Pukar where I was seen singing my own song composed by A R Rahman.” She likes Anil’s public conduct as well as his performances. “One hears and reads a lot of gossip about some other stars, but Anil has never been in any scandal. He is a rare combination of talent and good manners.”