Lata Mangeshkar was an Indian playback singer and music director. She was born on September 28, 1929, in Indore, India and was one of the most renowned and respected playback singers in India. With a career spanning over seven decades, she recorded thousands of songs in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and others. Mangeshkar began her singing career in the 1940s and quickly established herself as one of the leading playback singers in India. She worked with some of the most famous music directors and composers in India, including S. D. Burman, R. D. Burman, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. She received numerous awards and honours for her contributions to Indian music, including the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, and the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer. In 2001, she was honoured with the title "Nightingale of India" by the Indian government. Despite her age and long career, Mangeshkar continues to be active in the Indian music industry and remains an inspiration to aspiring singers and music lovers around the world.
Early life: Lata Mangeshkar was born on September 28, 1929, in Indore, India. Her father, Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, was a classical singer and theatre actor. Lata Mangeshkar started singing at a young age and was trained by her father.
Career beginnings: She began her singing career in 1942 with the Marathi song "Naachu Yaa Gade, Kashi Mi Nachu" for the film "Kiti Hasaal". She sang her first Hindi film song "Aayega Aanewala" in Mahal (1949).
Rise to fame: Over the next few decades, Lata Mangeshkar established herself as one of the leading playback singers in India. She recorded songs in multiple languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and others.
Collaborations: Mangeshkar worked with some of the most famous music directors and composers in India, including S. D. Burman, R. D. Burman, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Some of her most popular songs included "Lag Jaa Gale" from the film "Woh Kaun Thi?" and "Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Yeh" from "Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai".
Awards and honours: Lata Mangeshkar received numerous awards and honours for her contributions to Indian music, including the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, and the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer. In 2001, she was honoured with the title "Nightingale of India" by the Indian government.
Legacy: Despite her age and long career, Lata Mangeshkar remained active in the Indian music industry and inspired aspiring singers and music lovers around the world. Her contributions to Indian music earned her a place in the hearts of millions of fans and a lasting legacy as one of the greatest playback singers of all time.
Family: Lata Mangeshkar was the eldest of five siblings, all of whom were involved in the Indian film industry. Her younger brother, Hridaynath Mangeshkar, was a music director and singer, while her younger sister, Asha Bhosle, was also a renowned playback singer.
Health issues: In 2011, Lata Mangeshkar was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai after suffering a respiratory infection. This led to rumours about her health, but she recovered and continued to sing and perform.
Philanthropy: Lata Mangeshkar was known for her philanthropic work and established the Lata Mangeshkar Trust, which provided support for various charitable causes, including health care and education.
Controversies: Lata Mangeshkar has been involved in several controversies throughout her career. For example, in 2002, she was criticized for making comments that were seen as anti-Muslim.
International recognition: Lata Mangeshkar's talents have been recognized not only in India but also internationally. In 1974, she became the first Indian singer to perform in the United States.
Other interests: In addition to her singing career, Lata Mangeshkar has a passion for classical Indian dance and has trained in Bharatanatyam and Kathak. She has also published two books, "Lata Mangeshkar: In Her Own Voice" and "Lata: The Enchantress of Melody".
Illness and death: On 8 January 2022, Mangeshkar tested positive for COVID-19 with mild symptoms and was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital's intensive care unit in Mumbai. Mangeshkar died from multiple organ dysfunction syndrome on 6 February 2022, at the age of 92. She had undergone 28 days of constant treatment for pneumonia and COVID-19.
