She was 92 – a ripe old age for anyone, but I still wasn’t prepared for my emotional response to the news of the demise of Lata Mangeshkar. I have been listening to her most brilliant renditions in Hindi and Marathi over the past couple of days and was surprised to find my eyes welling up more than once. Lata Mangeshkar and her body of work meant much more to me than I realised – me and the world
The peerless voice, the note-perfect rendition --- as the lyrics of this song say, the name will be lost, the face will change, but my voice will be my identity.
Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar died following a COVID infection and multiple organ failure. She was cremated will full state honours followed by a period of state mourning. This seems fitting for someone who gave so much joy to so many countless souls.
Bade Ghulam Ali Khan reportedly became a fan when a young Lata matched him note for note when signing Raag Pahadi. When he heard her sing Ye Zindagi Usi Ki Hai from Anarkali he said to Pt Jasraj, "Kambakht kabhi besuri nahin hoti, kya Allah ki den hai”, and indeed she never ever seemed to go off key.
The song and the singer who famously made then Prime Minister Nehru cry – I dare anyone to listen to this song today and stay dry-eyed.
She was the first to give respectability to film singers, has won countless accolades, holds records and has many rare distinctions to her credit.
Her immense versatility, ability to sing in numerous languages and matchless talent meant that she was admired and revered by generations; regardless of political affiliation.
Lata Mangeshkar occupied a special place in the hearts and minds not only of Indians, but the subcontinent as a whole – her matchless voice and her timeless songs are imprinted upon the subcontinental psyche.
Lata Mangeshkar will be remembered by generations to come – her career of 70+ years is without parallel.
She started her singing career as a teen soon after the loss of her father at age 13. As the eldest child she felt the need to do whatever necessary to support her family.
I would be hard pressed to choose 10 or even 50 of her best songs – there are simply too many to count. And just to add, I feel that some of Latatai’s best songs are the ones she sang in Marathi – composed by her brother Hridaynath.
Seen here is superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his manager – paying their last respects in their respective ways – exemplifying the diversity and plurality of the India we know and love.
The attempt by some to demonise SRK’s mode of paying his respects by ‘blowing’ dua for the departed soul was swiftly schooled. It is tragic that everything today is either praised or criticised based on who is doing it – such as when some sections of society were widely and falsely accused of spreading ‘corona jihad’ just because so many are ignorant of the beliefs and customs of other communities.
She was indefatigable and continued singing well into what we may call the retirement years. According some reports she recorded her last song in 2019 in Marathi.
Lata Mangeshkar’s physical self may be gone but her songs will live on forever. This personal favourite of mine – rahein na rahein hum is one among countless beloved songs of hers and the lyrics are particularly poignant at this time.
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