Nargis, Meena Kumari were my favourite actresses: Lata

Dec 28, 2012 IANS

Mumbai, Dec 28 (IANS) Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, who has sung for almost every leading Bollywood actress since she entered the industry in 1942, says her favourites were Meena Kumari and Nargis.

"It is tough to name one... I liked all. But Meena Kumari and Nargis were my favourites," the 83-year-old said here Thursday at the launch of a calendar featuring yesteryears' actresses.

However, she says she has faint memories of her times with them.

"Playback singer and actors met rarely so there are no memories as such, but I was still close to Meena Kumari and Nargis," she said.

The calendar features actresses like Suraiya, Waheeda Rehman, Rekha, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan and Mumtaz.

Lata, known for songs like "Aayega aanewaala" and "Jab pyaar kiya to darna kya", also spoke about the changing trends in the Hindi film industry.

"There has been a lot of change. I have been seeing the film industry since 1942. Then and now there is a lot of difference. Music is less, dance has increased, girls wear less clothes... but that sells now," Lata said.

She even believes that television is more popular now.

"More than films, it is TV now and people watch serials. 'Bade Achche Lagte Hain' is more popular and also 'Mahadev'. People watch them," she said.