On her birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, remembering her as the ‘Nightingale of India’ whose soulful melodies continue to resonate with generations. In a post on X, PM Modi shared, “Remembering Lata Didi on her birth anniversary. She will always live on in the hearts and minds of people due to her soulful songs. Lata Didi and I had a special bond. I have been fortunate to receive her affection and blessings.”
The bond between PM Modi and Lata Mangeshkar was indeed special. Lata Mangeshkar’s brother, renowned music composer Hridaynath Mangeshkar, revealed in an Indian Express article that PM Modi always addressed his sister as “Didi.” He shared that Lata Mangeshkar often reminded Modi, “Our mother was Gujarati,” and would prepare Gujarati dishes for him during his visits. Their conversations, Hridaynath noted, ranged from cricket to food, a testament to their shared warmth and camaraderie.
The bond deepened further when Lata Mangeshkar’s health deteriorated. PM Modi expressed his concern and well-wishes during a phone call, a moment that left both deeply moved. Hridaynath recounted how PM Modi praised Lata Mangeshkar’s lifelong dedication to music. The sincerity of this call was further amplified when PM Modi included a recording of their conversation in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, sharing their emotional exchange with millions of listeners.
Born in 1929 in Indore, Lata Mangeshkar’s legacy extends far beyond her extraordinary voice. She emerged from a family steeped in the performing arts, with her father, Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, managing a theatre company, and her sisters, Asha Bhonsle and Usha Mangeshkar, carving their own paths as renowned singers. Lata Mangeshkar’s rise to prominence, coupled with Asha Bhonsle’s talent for sensual songs, solidified their positions as powerful forces in the film music industry.
Lata Mangeshkar’s voice, often described as ‘virginally pure’, held a symbolic significance for actresses, especially during the 1960s and 70s, the zenith of her career. She began her singing career at the tender age of 13 in 1942, recording her first song, “Naachu Yaa Gade, Khelu Saari Mani Haus Bhaari,” for a Marathi film. Although this song was eventually omitted from the final release, it marked the beginning of an unparalleled journey that spanned over seven decades.
Her versatility and talent resonated across generations of female actors in Bollywood. Lata Mangeshkar recorded music in more than 30 languages, primarily Hindi and Marathi, lending her voice to over 5,000 songs across more than a thousand Bollywood and regional films. From Madhubala and Nimmi in the 1940s to Meena Kumari, Nargis, and Nutan in the 50s, followed by Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh, and Sharmila Tagore in the 60s – she lent her voice to icons of Indian cinema.
Her dedication to her craft was legendary. Even during periods of illness, composers like Hemant Kumar and Madan Mohan patiently waited for her recovery to sing for their films Bees Saal Baad (1962) and Woh Kaun Thi (1964), despite initial doubts about her ability to sing again. The songs that followed this period, including “ Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil ” in Bees Saal Baad and “ Naina Barse ” in Woh Kaun Thi, cemented their place as milestones in her illustrious career. Lata Mangeshkar, the ‘Nightingale of India’, left an indelible mark on the music industry, her legacy continuing to inspire generations of singers and music lovers.
