Lata Mangeshkar has complimented "Black" director Sanjay Leela Bhansali as it reminded her of works of Claude Monet, her favourite painter.

The legendary singer's compliments come after she watched the TV premiere of the film Sunday.

"Though I had seen it earlier, I was completely mesmerised by every shot in the film," Lata told.

"I discovered a rather strange and exciting similarity between the images in 'Black' and those from the works of my favourite painter Claude Monet.

"I've in fact visited Monet's birthplace in France twice over. I found that the director had composed many of the vital shots in the way Monet does his paintings.

"He has 'captured' the little girl (Ayesha Kapoor) in the way Monet captures his models in his paintings," she said.

Bhansali was surprised at Lata's observation.

"How on earth did she get to know this? Claude Monet is my absolutely favourite painter. Yes, I am heavily influenced by Monet's work. My home is scattered with books and images of Monet.

"No one, not a single critic in the world, has noticed Monet's influence in 'Black'. I am simply amazed by this great lady's perceptions. No wonder Lataji is what she is," he said.