by Subhash K Jha

When the two biggest icons of Bollywood meet there's bound to be a whoosh of interest. On Tuesday evening the Nightingale of India finally ventured to meet Amitabh Bachchan at Leelavati.

"Actually I'd have gone much earlier," says Lataji. "But I was in London in connection with the promotion of diamond jewellery. As soon as I returned I was anxious to visit Amitabhji. But I was unwell. Yesterday I decided I must do it now."

When Lataji arrived at the hospital her rakhi-brother Dilip Kumar was just leaving.

"It was nice running into him. Ravi Chopraji and Ramesh Sippyji were also visiting Amitabhji. I must say I was very impressed by the arrangements. There's absolutely no room for any intruder or unwanted visitors. He has been given a secluded suite with a drawing-room where he's resting."

The visit lasted for about 25 minutes. "Amitabhji said, 'Maine kha-ma-kha aapko taqleef dee'. I told him the whole nation was troubled by his illness. He told me how he fell ill , that the pain started while he was Lucknow. Life is so strange. It has a way of creeping up on us and surprising us all the time."

"He asked me about my hospital in Pune. I told him the wing that he had inaugurated some time ago had become operational. He's definitely recovering, though he needs to take it easy for a while. In fact I'd suggest that he remain in hospital for a while. I've seen the crowds of people waiting outside his bungalow. Amitabhji needs to rest. The environment provided to him at the hospital is ideal for him to regain his strength."

The Nightingale was very impressed by the ailing superstar's hospitality. "He had someone waiting downstairs at the hospital to escort me up to his room...Even in such stressful times Amitabhji hasn't forgotten his characteristic good manners. I wish him a quick recovery."