by Subhash K Jha

Bollywood's busiest icon stepped out his residence Jalsa after his surgery and recuperation with a song recording for Ravi Chopra's Babul.

The song, a historical occurrence since it was AB's first professional outing since his illness, was for family friend and self-proclaimed Bhakt Aadesh Shrivastava at his new studio AV Sound.

Says Aadesh, "It all happened so suddenly. On Feb 18 I inaugurated my new recording studio. I'd have liked nothing better than to start with Dada (AB)'s recording. But I wasn't sure if he'd be able to make it. By evening I was told he was on.

We recorded the number—a hip-hip number written by Sameer entitled Come on come on chalo jashn manaye —from 11.30 pm to 2 am in the morning. Hats off to that amazing man whom I worship. Just out of his illness, he rendered my difficult song with all the energy verve and spirit that we expect from him.

You know I've got Dada to record several songs for me. We first did a song in Major Saab and since then I've become a part of his world. If I had my way I'd have Dada sing all the songs that I compose for his films.

In Baghban what expressions he gave to Tu kahan main yahan! I persuaded him to sing all but one of the songs in Baghban. I intend to make him sing at least three of the songs in Babul."

In fact AB recorded another song for Aadesh Shrivastava for Babul on Monday night...."This time it's a sad song," reveals Aadesh.

"I feel doubly blessed. That Dada should've returned to work after his illness with two songs for me makes me feel very privileged. You know, Dada always underestimates his singing. He wants us all to believe that he cannot really sing. But the fact is, he can give expressions in a song that others can't think of."