Page 29 - Mann Ki Baat English

y Lata Mangeshkar is fondly known
worldwide as Lata Didi. Lata Ji was the voice of
Indian music that still resonates in every heart.
She was born on September 28, 1929 in Indore.
Her father, Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, was
also a renowned classical singer.
y Lata ji began singing at the age of 13, and over
the following decades sang thousands of songs
in more than 30 languages. The sweetness,
delicacy, and truthfulness of her voice are nothing
short of magical.
y Lata Mangeshkar's music wasn't just
entertainment. It carried a message of patriotism,
love, and humanity. Her song ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke
Logon’ still brings tears to our eyes.
y Lata ji's music is deeply rooted in Indian tradition
and culture. Whether it is bhajans or ghazals, folk
songs or film songs, it feels as if she has put her
soul into each form.
y During her long career, Lata ji sang countless
memorable songs with singers like Mohammed
Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh, and Manna Dey.
Their pairing remains immortal across every era
of music.
y Lata Mangeshkar has received numerous
national and international awards, including the
Bharat Ratna, the Padma Bhushan, the Padma
Vibhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
y The Lata Mangeshkar Chowk in Ayodhya, built in
her honour, is a symbol of her melodious legacy. A
statue of the Veena installed there pays tribute to
her immortal musical and cultural contributions.
y Lata ji transcended musical boundaries, singing
not only in Hindi, but also in Marathi, Bengali, Tamil,
Gujarati, Urdu, and many other languages. Her
emotional depth and intimacy seem to breathe
life into each language.

29
29