Asha Parekh Revives Bollywood's Golden Era in Nagpur
Veteran actress Asha Parekh shares nostalgic tales of Hindi cinema at a special event in Nagpur.
Asha Parekh reminisced about her childhood visits to Nagpur during a musical tribute event.
The event featured a live performance of classic Hindi film songs by a 30-member ensemble.
Parekh expressed concern over the decline of classical influences in contemporary music.
On Thursday, the Shivaji Nagar Garden in Nagpur transformed into a nostalgic homage to Hindi cinema's golden era as veteran actress Asha Parekh took center stage during the event titled 'Kuch Yaadein Kuch Nagme'. Organized by the Shivaji Maharaj Kruti Samiti, the gathering celebrated the rich history of Bollywood through stories and music.
During a heartfelt conversation with chef Vishnu Manohar, Parekh, who has received prestigious accolades including the Padma Shri and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, reflected on her childhood memories associated with Nagpur. She shared that her two aunts lived in the city, prompting frequent visits during her youth. Notably, she recalled her last performance in Nagpur, which featured songs by the legendary Rajesh Khanna.
The actress also shared amusing anecdotes from her early career, highlighting the challenges of working on film sets before the advent of vanity vans. She humorously mentioned how bright reflectors often caused her eyes to water, leading onlookers to mistakenly believe she had been drinking. This light-hearted moment resonated well with the audience, eliciting laughter and applause.
In addition to her stories, Parekh voiced her concerns regarding the current state of music, lamenting the loss of classical influences and the sweetness that characterized earlier songs. She commended musician Niranjan Bobade for his efforts to preserve traditional music, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these artistic roots.
The event featured a live musical tribute orchestrated by Bobade, with a talented 30-member ensemble performing beloved Hindi film songs. The audience enjoyed renditions of classics, including 'Shyam Mastani' by Makarand Patankar and 'Raat Ka Sama' by Manjiri Vaidya. The evening was well-attended, with notable figures such as MLC Abhijit Wanjari and advocate Anand Parchure present, alongside the organizing team led by Samiti president Ajay Sanchiti.
