Mumbai: As far as fans of Indian cinema are concerned, Lata Mangeshkar is a name that most certainly needs no introduction at all. Fondly referred to as the ‘Nightingale’ , the National award winning singer is held in high regard by fans, critics and industry insiders alike.
Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar, who has lent her golden voice for over seven decades, turns a year older today as she celebrates her 86th birthday. The Bharat Ratna recipient has not only sung Hindi songs but has also recorded songs in regional and foreign languages.
Starting her career in 1942 with Marathi songs, Lata first ventured into Hindi movies with the song ‘Paa lagoon kar jori’ for Vasant Joglekar’s movie ‘Aap Ki Seva Mein’ in 1946. Two years later, composer Ghulam Haider gave Lata her first major break with the song ‘Dil mera toda’ in ‘Majboor’ and after that, there was no looking back for the ‘Nightingale of India’ as she is fondly called.
She has worked with all the major composers of the bygone era and mesmerised the current lot too. The versatile singer has covered all genres of music, be it romantic songs or bhajans. The popularity of Lataji and her songs is unparalleled.
Lata was born in Sikh Mohalla in the princely state of Indore. At the age of five, she began working as an actress in her father’s musical plays. The Mangeshkar family’s last name used to be Hardikar. Lata’s father, Deenanath, changed it to Mangeshkar
Against the backdrop of the Sino-Indian War in 1963, Mangeshkar sang the patriotic song ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo’, which moved then PM Jawaharlal Nehru to tears Naushad (music director) and Lata’s combination was magical. Their association resulted in memorable songs in ‘Baiju Bawra’ (1952), ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ (1960) and ‘Kohinoor’ (1960). ‘Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya’ from ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ has achieved cult status
She has sung songs in over thirty-six regional Indian languages and foreign languages.Her first Hindi song was ‘Mata Ek Sapoot’ for the Marathi film ‘Gajaabhaau’ (1943). ‘Kyun Yahan Hota Hai’, a song sung by Lata Mageshkar from ‘Heroine’ (2012), was actually recorded for ‘Corporate’ in 2006, but not used in the latter
R D Burman and Lata made for a formidable composer-singer duo during the 1970s. Their popular works include ‘Raina Beeti Jaaye’ from ‘Amar Prem’ (1972), ‘Chadhti Jawaani’ and ‘Kitna Pyara Wada Hai’ from ‘Caravan’ (1971), ‘Aaj Na Chodenge’ from ‘Kati Patang’ (1971) and many memorable songs from ‘Aandhi’ (1975)
Shining indai team also wishes you a very happy birthday
Bureau Report
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