End of an era: Remembering Lata Mangeshkar's musical life
Born in 1929 to Marathi classical singer and theatre actor Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar and his Gujarati wife Shevanti in Indore, Lata has sung for over seven generations of female actors in India.
By Bhavana Published on 6 Feb 2022 8:59 AM GMT
Hyderabad: Lata Mangeshkar, India's legendary singer, passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness, including COVID-19 complications. This news shook the country. Lata was admitted to Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai on 8 January and was undergoing treatment. She's been a muse to some of India's greatest composers and was honoured with the Bharat Ratna.
Born in 1929 to Marathi classical singer and theatre actor Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar and his Gujarati wife Shevanti in Indore, Lata has sung for over seven generations of female actors in India. The 1960s and 1970s were a peak time for Lata.
The eldest child of the family with sisters Meena, Asha, and Usha, and brother Hridaynath, all accomplished singers and musicians, Lata started her career at the age of 13, after her father's death, and sang for the Marathi film 'Kiti Hasal' (1942). Her move to Mumbai in 1945 was followed by small numbers in a few movies until the big breakthrough happened with 'Aayega Aanewala' featuring Madhubala in the movie 'Mahal' (1949).
Not many know that she sang more than 25,000 songs.
Lata was the recipient of three National Film Awards, 15 Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards, four Filmfare Awards for 'Best Female Playback Singer', two Filmfare Special Awards, Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, and many more. In 1974, Lata became the first Indian to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, London.
Some of her popular songs include 'Lag Ja Gale', 'Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna', 'Hey Eshwar Ya Allah', 'Are Re Are', 'Kabhi Tu Challia Lagta Hai', 'Jiya Jale', 'Aate Jaate Hansate Gaate', 'Mere Haathon Mein Choodiyan Hain', 'Inhi Logon Ne', 'Suno Kaho Kaha Suna', 'Chalthe Chalthe', 'Babu Pyaare', 'Chup Gaye Sare Nazare', 'Pyaar Hua Iqraar Hua', 'Tujhe Dekha Toh Ye Jaana Sanam', 'Piya Tose', 'Kora Kagaza Tha Ye Manna Mera', 'Aaapki Nazron Ne Samjha', 'Jia Jale', and 'Ajjeb Dastaan Hain Yeh' among others.
The entire country is mourning the death of the legendary singer. Celebrities from all industries have shared their condolences on social media.
