The Nightingale of India, a voice that echoed in every Indian household, and an iconic legend — Lata Mangeshkar lives on in people’s hearts.
On the occasion of her 93rd birth anniversary, we remember the late playback singer through pictures taken during her lifetime.
Through a Twitter post, Lata Mangeshkar reminisced the first time she sang in a studio for radio. The date was 16 December 1941.
Throughout her lifetime, Lata ji associated with several prominent Indian figures, both political and celebrities. In this picture, she can be seen with Pandit Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India.
In the picture, Lata ji performed aarti while conveying her wishes for Diwali to her well-wishers.
Lata ji fondly spoke of Shivaji Ganesan, an Indian actor who came to be like her family. In a post, she was quoted saying, “I feel blessed that he took me as a younger sister and I have embraced his family as my own.”
Famously known for their ‘Thandi Hawayein’ song, Lata Mangeshkar and S D Burman’s partnership was one that left fans stunned.
Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle had a sisterly bond that went beyond their careers. Bhosle often opened up in interviews about how Lata was her favourite singer.
Lata ji with actress Meena Kumari who she says would often accompany her to her recordings.
Seen with Indian veteran Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu, Lata ji held great regard for the couple.
In 1959, TIME magazine described Lata Mangeshkar as the undisputed and indispensable queen of Indian playback singing.
Here Lata ji is seen with veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, as she grieved his passing away and the memories they made together.