Books and films were the bonding factors for his friendship with former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Lal Kishenchand Advani said.
Releasing the book Musical Moments from Hindi Films in Mumbai on Wednesday evening, Advani recalled the days when the two used to go to watch movies together.
"We both had interest in watching films and reading books," he said adding, these two were the common factors for his friendship with Vajpayee.
The former deputy prime minister said besides being a politician, he had interest in films and music too.
Denying the allegation of deteriorating music standards in India, Advani said music was always good.
On the political front, the BJP leader said the party has succeeded in breaking the single party rule in the country, and ushering in a bi-polar polity.
The Congress has 145 seats, while the BJP has 138, he pointed out.
The book, written by Manik Premchand, contains 435 popular songs.
It comes with two Compact Discs, containing audio clips of the tracks, along with interviews of celebrated musicians like Khayyam, Manna De and Majrooh Sultanpuri.
Premchand had earlier written a book Yesterday's Memories, Today's Melodies.
Hema Malini, veteran actor and BJP member of Parliament, recalled the music given by Khayyam for the movie Razia Sultan, in which she had played a lead role. The actress said she was keen to work with Khayyam again.
She also reminisced about her first interview during the shoot of her first movie Sapno ka Saudagar by veteran radio announcer Amin Sayani.
Among others, Khayyam and Sayani also graced the occasion. The former raised the issue of copyright for musicians and urged Advani to look into it.
Pratibha Advani, daughter of Advani, was also present at the function.
