Lata Mangeshkar

On Sept. 28, 1929, a baby girl was born in Sikh Mohalla, in the State of Indore, to Deenanath and Shevanti Mangeshkar, little did they know that in a few years she would change the face of the Bollywood Music Industry forever. She would grow up to be one of the most popular playback singers in the history of Bollywood, the one and only Lata Mangeshkar. Lata is the eldest of five children, Asha, Usha, Meena and Hridaynath. From the very young age of five Lata started to work as an actress in her father’s musical plays. In 1942 at the age of 13, Lata’s career started after the passing of her father. “Aayega Aanewala” from the movie Mahal in 1949 was one of her first major hits. Lata has since recorded songs for over 1,000 Hindi films. She sang thousands of songs in over 30 Indian as well as foreign languages. She has performed in most of the Elite stages across the Globe, always managing to leave her thousands of fans hungry for more. She has met many Heads of State in Countries wherever she performs. She sang duets with most of the male and female singers of her era and even those of the younger generation. Lata has worked with many of the great Composers & Lyricists of the Film Industry. She has done numerous charity shows at home and abroad. In almost every country there are female singers aspiring to imitate the voice of The Melody Queen - Lata Mangeshkar and to be called the next closest thing to Lata. She has toured across the globe, several times much to the delight of her adoring fans. She came to the West Indies on two occasions, 1980 and 1985. On her first visit to Trinidad in 1980 she had two shows, at Jean Pierre Complex and at Skinner Park. Accompanying this Legend to these shores were Usha Mangeshkar, Nitin Mukesh and the very versatile Music Director Anil Mohile and his troupe. Needless to say this Nightingale of India stuns her audiences wherever she performs and Trinidad was no exception. For over five decades that she has been performing Lata Mangeshkar has won the Bharat Ratna (2001)– India’s highest Civilian Honour, Padma Bhushan Award(1969), Dada Saheb Phalke Award (1989),  A number of Filmfare Awards and dozens of other awards honouring this Wonder of the World as she is so frequently called. Here are a few thoughts on what Celebrities have to say about Lata :-“When the voice achieves perfect harmony with a note (sur), it is as if the soul has soared up to become one with the supreme being. That’s how I feel when I listen to Lataji.” – Amitabh Bachchan “”What we classical musicians take three and a half hours to accomplish, Lata does it in three minutes.” – Ustad Ameer Khan “If the Taj Mahal is the Seventh Wonder of the World then Lata Mangeshkar is the Eight.” – Ustad Amjad Ali Khan “The ‘blessed creature’ never goes out of tune-what a miracle of Allah!” – Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. We are indeed very fortunate to be on this earth and to have had the opportunity on many occasions to witness live this voice that is indeed a true gift from God. We have also added a verbal Biography of Lataji by Chandra Maharaj, with a sample of a beautiful song at the end. Please take a moment to listen. And for the many fans of Lataji from across the globe, we have added Audio/Video  Samples for you to enjoy.

On February 6th 2022 we bid farewell to this shining star, this legend of the music industry and the World. The passing of Lataji leaves a void that can never be filled. A sad day indeed for humanity. Condolences to her entire family, her dear friends and all her millions of fans globally. Rest in eternal peace our beloved Melody Queen. (Copyright Nisha Sharma 2023)