Shahid Rafi, son of music maestro Mohammed Rafi, is contemplating legal action against Lata Mangeshkar over claims of an apology letter written by the late singer.

Shahid was reportedly upset with Mangeshkar for claiming that his father had apologised to her in writing, to which Shahid dismissed saying that it was a "publicity stunt" on her part. He also said he may seek legal action if Mangeshkar fails to produce the alleged letter.

"My father was national property. I am hurt and so are his fans. His fan following is much bigger than any other artist. If she can prove that my father had written an apology letter to her, then I am ready to apologize. But the main thing is that she should come forward and produce that letter. All I want is that the truth should come out," Shahid told Press Trust of India.

In a recent interview published in Mumbai Mirror, Mangeshkar talked of her decision about not singing with Mohammed after a cold war blew up between them. She added that it ended only after Mohammmed Rafi sent a letter of apology to her.

"During a meeting attended by prominent singers and musicians, Rafi Saab stood up and said, 'Main aaj se Lata ke saath nahin gaoonga'. I retorted, 'Rafi Saab, ek minute. Aap nahin gaayenge mere saath yeh galat baat hai. Main aapke saath nahin gaoongee'. I stormed out and called my composers there and then and informed them to rope in another singer if it was a duet with Rafi Saab," the 83-year-old singer said.

Shahid refuted the claims, saying his father had not written any such letter, and added that Mangeshkar is insecure about Mohammed's popularity.

"This feud between her and my father was during 1961 to 1967. At that time there was no competition for my father, as actors like Shammi Kapoor, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Rajendra Kumar and others wanted my father to sing for them. While there were many others female singers like Suman Kalyanpur, Hemlata and Mubarak Begum. So, may be her career was at stake that time," he said according to Mid Day.

Meanwhile, songstress Mangeshkar is celebrating her 84th birthday on Friday.

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