Overview
Lata Mangeshkar, often hailed as the ‘Nightingale of India’, was a legendary playback singer whose voice defined Indian cinema for nearly seven decades. Her career as a Hindi film singer began in the late 1940s, and she quickly rose to prominence with her unparalleled vocal range, clarity, and emotional depth. Lata’s voice became synonymous with generations of Bollywood heroines, and her songs captured the hearts of millions across the Indian subcontinent. She recorded thousands of songs over her remarkable career which spanned every era of Hindi films highlighted on this website.
Beyond her technical prowess, Lata’s singing possessed a unique quality that resonated deeply with listeners. Her voice conveyed a wide range of emotions, from joy and romance to sorrow and devotion, with a sincerity that touched the soul. She was known for her dedication to her craft, her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to bring out the nuances of every song she sang. Lata’s impact on Indian music is immeasurable, and her legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.
Field of contribution: Playback singing
Years when active: 1948-2019
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Memorable movies
Abhimaan, Albela, Anarkali, Awara, Baiju Bawra, Barsaat, Bobby, Chori Chori, Daag (1973), Dil To Pagal Hai, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Guide, Himalay Ki God Mein, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Inteqam, Ishq Par Zor Nahin, Madhumati, Maine Pyar Kiya, Mamta, Mera Saaya, Mere Mehboob, Milan, Mughal-E-Azam, Nagin (1954), Pakeezah, Parasmani, Sangam, Saraswati Chandra, Sargam, Shagird, Silsila, Taj Mahal, Veer Zaara, Woh Kaun Thi
Awards & recognition
Filmfare Awards
1958: Aaja Re Pardesi (Madhumati)
1962: Kaheen Deep Jale Kaheen Dil (Bees Saal Baad)
1965: Tumhi Mere Mandir (Khandan)
1969: Aap Mujhe Achhe Lagne Lage (Jeene Ki Raah)
After receiving her fourth Filmfare award in 1970, Lata made the unusual gesture of giving up the Best Female Playback Award in order to promote fresh talent. She was later awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. She also received Filmfare Special Awards in 1994 and 2004.
National Film Awards
1972: Beeti Na Bitaai Raina (Parichay)
1974: Roothe Roothe Piya (Kora Kagaz)
1990: Various songs in the film (Lekin)
Government of India Honors
1969: Padma Bhushan
1989: Dadasaheb Phalke Award
1999: Padma Vibhushan
2001: Bharat Ratna
Frequent collaborators
Music Directors: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Madan Mohan, Naushad, Shankar-Jaikishen
Co-singers: Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar
Did you know?
Her birth name was Hema Mangeshkar, but she changed it to Lata after a character in her father’s play.
In 1942, when Lata was only 13, her father Deenanath Mangeshkar passed away, and she was compelled to enter the film industry as a singer-actress. Her younger sister Asha (later Bhosle) followed her into the industry a few years later.
She sang the first song recorded and credited to RD Burman (‘Ghar Aaja Ghir Aaye’ in Chhote Nawab). She also sang the last recorded song credited to RD (‘Kuch Na Kaho’ in 1942: A Love Story). It was recorded shortly after RD’s death. RD had wanted Lata to sing the song, but Lata was not available in December 1993 for the recording. So they postponed it, and unfortunately RD was not able to record it himself before he passed away in January 1994.
Lata and Mohammed Rafi had a feud which lasted for a few years (1963-1967) because of a disagreement over a royalty issue. During this period, the two did not sing together at all. The feud was eventually brought to an end because of the mediation of S.D. Burman, who brought the pair together again to sing “Dil Pukaare Aa Re” in Jewel Thief.
In 1974, Lata became the first Indian to perform at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
In 1994, Lata released Shraddanjali – My Tribute to the Immortals. The special feature of the album was Lata’s homage to immortal singers of the time (including K.L. Saigal, Mohammed Rafi, Hemant Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh and Geeta Dutt) by rendering a few of their songs in her own voice.
Lata composed the music for several Marathi films under the pseudonym of Anand Ghan, including Sadhi Manase, Ram Ram Pavhana and Tituka Melvava.
Lata was a big cricket fan who performed for free at a fundraising concert for the Indian cricket team after its historic World Cup victory in 1983. The concert raised ₹20 lakh, which was enough to give each player ₹1 lakh.
Additional Information
Lata’s biographies include the following:
Lata Mangeshkar: A Biography, by Raju Bharatan (1995).
In Search of Lata Mangeshkar, by Harish Bhimani (1995).
Lata Mangeshkar in Her Own Voice, by Nasreen Munni Kabir (2019).
In addition, we also have this video commentary on Lata by the incomparable Javed Akhtar:
Classic Legends, Season 3 Episode 7 – Lata Mangeshkar