INDIA: Lata Mangeshkar was an Indian music icon, and with her timeless songs plus priceless memories, the legendary singer managed to inspire millions of music fans. On February 6, 2022, the nation not just lost its influential singer but also its voice. Today marks her 93rd Birth Anniversary and on such an occasion, let’s deep dive into the life of the Queen of Melody.
Indian music industry skyrocketed to greater heights with Lata Mangeshkar’s arrival
On September 28, 1929, India witnessed the birth of Lata Mangeshkar in Indore. Many don’t know that she was named ‘’Hema’’ in childhood and later she was named ‘‘Lata” based on a character, Latika, in one of her father’s plays, “Bhawna Bandhan.” Her musical journey began in childhood under her father’s training.
She lost her father at the age of 13, after which Master Vinayak trained her and she started her career as a singer in the 1940s with a Marathi film, ‘’Kiti Hasaal’’. The legendary singer provided her voice for the first time in the Marathi song ‘’Naachu Yaa Gade, Khelu Saari Mani Haus Bhaari’’ in the 1942 film.
In addition to her career in music, she also worked as an actress in Master Vinayak’s 1942 film ‘’Pehli Mangala Gaur’’ and also provided her voice to the musical ‘’Natali Chaaitraachi Navalaai”. In 1943, she made her Hindi musical debut with the song “Mata Ek Sapoot Ki Duniya Badal De Tu.”
Following the death of her mentor, Vinayak, Ghulam Haider guided Lata Mangeshkar in singing. At the beginning of her career, she was critiqued for having a Maharashtrian accent. Later, she trained herself in Urdu as it had a greater impact on the music industry.
The legendary singer bagged her first breakthrough music score with ‘’Dil Mera Toda, Mujhe Kahin Ka Na Chhora’’ in the 1948 film ‘‘Majboor”. In 1949, she released her first hit song, ‘’Aayega Aanewaala,’’ in which she provided her voice to legendary actress Madhubala. The song put her career in the spotlight. Following the release of the breakthrough and hit song, she emerged as a highly influential playback singer.
In 1969, Lata Mangeshkar received the Padma Bhushan, and later on, numerous prestigious awards were added to her musical career, which included the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1989), Maharashtra Bhushan (1997), and Padma Vibhushan (1999). In 2001, she also bagged Bharat Ratna and the National Order of the Legion of Honour in 2006.
She was also listed in the Guinness World Records, where her name joined the ranks of the most recorded artists between 1948 and 1987. Her mastery of Indian music has had a significant impact on all music lovers, which earned her titles such as, “Nightingale of India,” “Queen of Melody,” and “Voice of the Millennium.”
Besides all her musical interests, Lata Mangeshkar was also a huge fan of cricket, and her love for the game hasn’t been hidden from anyone. On numerous occasions, the nation has witnessed the singer’s deep enthusiasm for cricket. She also helped the Indian cricket team in the 1983 World Cup, where she raised Rs 20 lakh by performing a musical program.
Providing high influence in numerous fields, Lata Mangeshkar emerged as the pure epitome of hard work and talent. India may have lost its legendary singer, but her melodious voice still resonates as a symbol of inspiration for the people.
Also Read: A Tearful Adieu to Legendary Singer Lata Mangeshkar
