Bhupen Hazarika’s affair with melody queen Lata Mangeshkar

Estranged wife of musician and filmmaker late Bhupen Hazarika - Priyamvada Patel’s recent statement to an Assamese TV channel has stunned everyone. Priyamvada Patel was in Assam to attend the first death anniversary of Bhupen Hazarika. Priyamvada Patel said that Bhupen Hazarika had a relationship with melody queen Lata Mangeshkar.

Priyamvada Patel was married to Bhupen Hazarika in 1950 and they were separated in 1963.  Priyamvada Patel said many interesting incidents although whether her statements are false or not – there is a doubt. Priyamvada Patel has blamed Lataji for their separation. Her statements have already irked the Mangeshkars and Kalpana Lajmi, Hararika’s companion for over 40 years.

Priyamvada Patel said that on many occasions Lata Mangeshkar visited their house and during that period she came to know about their relationship. Bhupen Hazarika in his autobiography ‘Moi Eti Jajabor’ hadn’t mentioned Lata Mangeshkar’s name.

In this context one incidence comes to the mind that Bhupen Hazarika and Kalpana Lajmi produced Rudaali and in the film Lata Mangeshkar sung some memorable songs. Bhupen Hazarika requested Lataji to charge less as it was a low budget film. Lata Mangeshkar took a very low payment and at the time of release of the film gifted Mr. Hazarika a cigarette case of gold.