/>Urmila Matondkar is gliding over the moon. In a public function in Versova on Thursday songstress Asha Bhosle not only spoke in the most glowing terms about the actress' singing abilities she also gave her a gift.

Says Urmila, "Everything that evening was a blur. I was rendered speechless by Ashaji's generosity. She not only spoke in glowing terms about me she also presented me this huge Saraswati idol. She seems to think I'm not only a good actress but also an able singer. I can't believe it! She has advised me to cut my own album."

Urmila is overwhelmed, "Receiving an idol from Ashaji was like a Goddess gifting me a goddess. I never knew that one song with Ashaji could trigger off such a chain of positive responses. To be able to stand next to her and sing was in itself a huge honour.

But to be encouraged by her like this!...And yesterday all these other great singers came forward to congratulate me. It was one of the most cherishable moments of my life. Such things rarely happen."

It was Asha Bhosle's idea to have this function. The function was attended by the who's who of the music world including veteran composer Anandji, Hariharan, Talat Aziz.

Asha and Urmila are today close friends. And intend to stay that way.

Sighs Urmila, "I love music and musicians. But look at what that one song with Ashaji has done to me! When I came to the industry it was with the express purpose of meeting some people I idolized. I never knew one day I'd actually be so close to one of my idols. It's strange. But Ashaji has been so experimental in her singing.

In my own humble way I've been experimental in my acting. I knew our coming together would be interesting. I never knew it would've such a far-reaching effects. On Thursday evening when Ashaji spoke about me I became a child again."