Vajpayee great leader, talented poet, reminisces noted singer

Classical singer Padmaja Phenany Joglekar, who often used to sing former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's poems, fondly remembers him as a great poet and has expressed grief over his demise.

Vajpayee died yesterday after prolonged illness at the age of 93. He was undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) since June 11.

Padmaja says the country has lost not only a great leader but a very talented poet as well.

"I am in shock, I think he is still around. I won't be able to go for his last rites but would sing a few lines in his loving memory," she told PTI.

Recalling her last meeting with the BJP stalwart, Padmaja (56) says that last year she went to Delhi on December 25 and sang a few lines from his poetry 'Aao Phir Se Diya Chalaye' on his birthday.

"I was told that he was very happy listening to it. There was no bigger joy than to know that we could make him happy and smile."
"I remember I sang a few lines from his poetry 'Geet Naya Gata Hoon' and he was in disbelief that someone could sing his poetry. He gave a standing ovation at the time and said that this huge round of applause was not for his poetry but for singing his verses in sur."