I first met Lataji during the making of Naya Sawan. That was in 1990. I have met her many times since then.

Although personally I have known Lata Mangeshkar for only nine years, I have been listening to her songs since my childhood. I can say I have practically grown up listening to Lataji's songs. She has been my idol since then. I respect her very much.

There is this one incident, which is very close to my heart. It's something that will forever remain in my memory. When I sang the first song for Naya Sawan, I remember I had touched her feet before starting to sing. That was really a priceless moment for me. To actually stand next to the person, whose songs I had been listening to since I was a child, and sing with her was really a matter of great pride for me. It still is.

Her style of singing is simply unique. There are so many things one can learn from her. Simply standing next to her in the recording studio and singing is such a learning experience.

I feel very happy today that I have sung so many songs with Lataji. Among the more recent ones are Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge and Kacche Dhaage. The emotions I go through when I sing with Lataji are inexplicable. I simply have no words to describe that.

What else can I say about Lataji? I don't think anyone can be compared to this legend and I can say with conviction that there can never be anybody like her in future.

I must add I am very grateful to Lata Mangeshkar as she has always been encouraging me. She has always said good things about me. There is no particular incident that I remember while singing with her, but I can say that the whole experience is wonderful. It's something I shall cherish for the rest of my life.

As told to Kanchana Suggu