The 1997 film 'Judaai', starring Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Urmila Matondkar, remains memorable for its unique storyline and hit songs. One of its most popular tracks, 'Mujhe ek pal chain na aaye', marked the Bollywood playback debut of singer Jaspinder Narula. In a recent interview, Narula revisited an emotional memory tied to the song, revealing a poignant confession from Mona Shourie Kapoor, the then-wife of producer Boney Kapoor.
Jaspinder Narula's Bollywood Debut
Narula recalled how the track became her entry point into Bollywood playback singing. The film featured Sridevi, Anil Kapoor, and Urmila Matondkar in lead roles. Before recording, the singer was briefed about the song's picturisation. She shared in an interview with Bollywood Thikana, 'They told me the song was being picturised on Sridevi. They explained the situation in the film — how she gets Anil Kapoor married again because she takes money.'
Health Struggles During Recording
Narula also revealed that she was battling a serious ear condition at the time of recording. 'My ear had developed mucus and one of my ears was completely blocked. With great difficulty, I sang the song,' she said. Despite the challenge, she delivered a powerful performance that resonated with audiences.
Encouragement from Hariharan
The singer fondly remembered how fellow singer Hariharan encouraged her after the recording session. 'Hariharan ji told me, ‘Where were you? We have been seeing you on television for so long. You have just entered the industry, but you should have come much earlier,’' she recalled.
Emotional Connection with Mona Kapoor
Narula briefly crossed paths with Sridevi during that period, meeting her two or three times. However, years later, after becoming close friends with Mona Kapoor, the song took on an entirely different emotional significance. Narula shared that Mona once revealed what she had been going through around the same time the song was being recorded.
'I was very close to Mona Kapoor. Later, she told me what was happening at that time while I was recording the song. Someone’s home was being built while someone else’s was breaking,' Narula said. Recounting Mona’s words, she added, 'She told me, ‘You were singing inside, and I was crying outside, sitting on the stairs of Super Sound (studio) when I found out.’ It was around the same time that she came to know about everything. This is what she shared with me.'
Boney Kapoor's Confession
Earlier, during a conversation with Chanda Kochhar on her YouTube channel, Boney Kapoor had spoken about how he informed Mona Kapoor about his relationship with Sridevi. Mona, who passed away in 2012, was the mother of actors Arjun Kapoor and Anshula Kapoor. 'My first wife, I told her, I had confessed to her,' Boney said while referring to a ring he was wearing. 'Look at this ring that I am wearing, and the ring that she (Sridevi) was wearing. Both were bought by Mona. I told her openly and that’s how she brought the children up without creating any kind of hatred towards me or the other kids,' he shared.
