India remembers music legend Lata Mangeshkar on her death anniversary
REPORT: The Indian music industry remembers the iconic Lata Mangeshkar, who passed away at the age of 92 in 2022. While her melodious voice lives on in the hearts of millions, a recent book by Yatindra Mishra (“Lata: Sur Gatha”) sheds light on an unfulfilled aspiration of the legendary singer.
According to the book, Mangeshkar harbored a lifelong desire to establish herself in classical music. She reportedly expressed regret about not dedicating more time to rigorous training, believing it could have led her down a different path. Notably, Lata Mangeshkar deeply admired the classical prowess of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and even expressed regret about never meeting another playback legend, Kundanlal Sehgal.
Despite this unfulfilled dream, Mangeshkar’s achievements remain staggering. With a recorded catalog exceeding 30,000 songs in multiple languages, she holds a Guinness World Record for the most recorded songs by a solo artist. Her voice graced countless films, earning her numerous honors including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and several National Film Awards.
Mangeshkar’s versatility extended beyond language, with recordings in English, Russian, Dutch, Nepali, and Indonesian. Beyond music, she held a passion for photography, experimenting with the Roliflex camera and capturing memories during travels. Notably, she earned titles like “Queen of Melody,” “Voice of the Millennium,” and “Nightingale of India” for her immense contribution to Indian music.
While Mangeshkar may have strived for different trajectories, her legacy rests firmly on the countless hearts she touched and the indelible mark she left on the Indian music landscape. Her dedication and talent continue to inspire generations of singers, her melodies carrying her memory forward.
