Lata Mangeshkar was known as “Nightingale of India”. She was an Indian playback singer. Her excellent singing and unique voice have fan all over the world. People used to call Lata Mangeshkar affectionately as ‘Lata didi’.
Lata Mangeshkar was born on September 28,1929. She was the daughter of Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar who was well-known for Marathi theatre actor, a Natya Sangeet musician and a Hindustani Vocalist. She was the eldest of the four daughter and one son. Her mother, Shevanti, hailed from Thalner, Maharashtra, and was the second wife of her father. When Pandit Dina nathji died in 1942, the mantle of responsibility rested on the shoulders of Lata, who was just 13 at that time. But fate was not entirely harsh. Navyug Chitrapat owner, Vinayak Damodar, watched after them. In 1942, she sang a song “Nachu Yaa Gade” for a Marathi film, but was cut from the final release of the film. In 1943, She recorded her first hindi song for a Marathi film.
She has sung thousands of song in Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, English and a variety of other regional languages. She has sang Ghazals, Bhajan, and Pop. She has sung over 25,000 songs, adding to her musical glory. Her song “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo” continues to bring people to their knees.
Lata Mangeshkar has received various accolades and honors throughout har career. In 2001, Lata Mangeshkar was honoured with the Bharat Ratna, the biggest Award of Indian culture. Her other Awards include Padma Bhushan in 1969, Padma Vibhushan in 1999, Zee cine Award for Lifetime achievement in 1999, Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1989, Maharashtra Bhushan Award in 1997, NTR National Award in 1999, Bharat Ratna in 2001, Legion of Honor in 2007, ANR National Award in 2009, 3 National film Award, Filmfare Awards, and Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1974, she was one of the Indian playback singer to ever perform at Royal Albert Hall in London, UK. She become the most recorded artist in the world with the Guinness book of record.
Her voice has not only impacted millions of people but has also spread the charm of Indian music all across the world.
India’s beloved Nightingale and melody queen passed away on February 6, 2022. She was 92 years old. She was tested positive for Covid-19 and was hospitalized at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital.

Mrudula Bidwai
Inspiring VIIIA