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The Untold Journey Of Lata Mangeshkar (Img: Pinterest)
Mumbai: Somewhere in India today, a radio is playing “Lag Ja Gale”. A mother hums along while preparing a meal, a family listens quietly in the evening, and many may not even realise it is Lata Mangeshkar’s birth anniversary. Her voice has been a part of countless lives for decades. So here is the untold journey of the Legend
Born as Hema Mangeshkar in Indore on September 28, 1929, she grew up surrounded by music under the guidance of her father, classical singer and theatre artist Deenanath Mangeshkar.
Her life changed dramatically in 1942 when her father passed away. She was only 13 years old. As the eldest child, Lata stepped into the role of supporting her family. She took up acting assignments, recorded songs and began earning to help her mother and siblings.
In the early years of her career, Lata faced rejection. Some filmmakers and music professionals felt her voice was too thin compared to the dominant singing style of that era.
Her early struggles, however, only strengthened her determination. She approached music with complete dedication, treating every recording session with deep respect and discipline.
The turning point came in 1949 with the film Mahal and the iconic song “Aayega Aanewala”. The song became a sensation, and listeners were eager to know the identity of the singer behind the unforgettable voice.
After that breakthrough, leading composers including Naushad, S.D. Burman, Madan Mohan and R.D. Burman worked with her. Over the decades, she lent her voice to timeless films such as Mughal-E-Azam, Pakeezah, Silsila and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
She sang in several Indian languages and also composed music for Marathi films under the name Anandghan.
On January 27, 1963, Lata Mangeshkar performed “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon” at the National Stadium in Delhi, at a time when India was mourning soldiers who lost their lives during the 1962 war with China.
The patriotic song, written by Kavi Pradeep, became one of the most emotional musical moments in independent India’s history. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who was present at the event, was reported to have been deeply moved by the performance.
Lata Mangeshkar received some of India’s highest honours, including the Padma Bhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna. She was also honoured with France’s Legion of Honour.
But for millions, her greatest recognition was not found in awards. It was in memories — a childhood song, a wedding celebration, a moment of heartbreak or a farewell.
Lata Mangeshkar passed away in Mumbai on February 6, 2022, at the age of 92. She was accorded a state funeral at Shivaji Park, where thousands gathered to pay their final respects.
Many among them had never seen her perform on stage. They knew her through the songs that became part of their own stories.
Her birth anniversary is a day of remembrance, but her music continues every day. The voice once criticised as “too thin” remains one of the most recognisable sounds of India.
