Mumbai: Lata Mangeshkar, the music legend who continues to mesmerise millions with her golden voice in a career spanning over seven decades, turned 82 today.
The Nightingale of India, who has around 30,000 songs to her credit, has decided to spend a quiet birthday with her family and attend an award function later in the day.
"I do not celebrate my birthday in a lavish way. I do not believe in cutting cakes. It will be a family affair...where all family members will be present. My whole day will be spent in accepting wishes from friends and fans worldwide. Later in the day, I will go for Hridaynath award function," Lata told PTI in an interview.
Starting her career in 1942 with songs in Marathi, Lata's first Hindi song was 'Paa lagoon kar jori' for Vasant Joglekar's movie 'Aap Ki Seva Mein' in 1946.
Two years later, composer Ghulam Haider gave Lata her first major break with the song 'Dil mera toda' in 'Majboor' and after that there was no looking back for Lata didi, as she is fondly called.
She has recorded songs for over a thousand Bollywood movies and has sung songs in over thirty-six regional Indian languages and foreign languages. However, her major work is in Hindi.
Recipient of the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country, she has lent her voice to generations of Bollywood actresses from Madhubala to Kajol. She is the most sought-after singer by top filmmakers from Yash Chopra to Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
"I think whatever I am today...is all because of my fans and well wishers. It is all due to their never-ending love, blessings, support and appreciation. I thank all my fans and well-wishers for making me Lata Mangeshkar," Lata said.
From light classical music to film songs, from ghazals to bhajans and pop, Lata has sung a variety of numbers like 'Tumhen yaad karte karte', 'Ajeeb daastan hai yeh', 'Bahon mein chale aao', 'Bangle ke peeche' and 'Choti si umar main' as well as devotional songs like 'Paoji maine Ram ratan dhan pao' and 'O palan hare'.
'Aayega aanewala', 'Pyar kiya to darna kya', 'Satyam shivam sundaram', 'Kabhi kabhie mere dil mein', 'Neela asman so gaya', 'Meri bindiya teri nindiya', 'Dholna' and 'Tere Liye' are just a few of the hit numbers from her huge body of work.
Her singing calibre and exceptional voice quality took her to the 'Guinness Book of World Records' for recording the maximum number of songs during 1974-1991.
Lata has bagged several awards in her singing career. These include Padma Bhushan (1969), Padma Vibhushan (1999), Dada Saheb Phalke Award (1989), Maharashtra Bhushan Award (1997), NTR National Award (1999), Bharat Ratna (2001) and three National Film Awards.
Talking about her glorious journey, Lata said, "I am happy and humbled. It feels great to receive so much love and support."
Lata will add one more feather to her cap, when she receives the 'Hridaynath Award' from Mega star Amitabh Bachchan for her contribution in the sector of music today.
The event is quite historic considering that the iconic singer chooses to stay away from the limelight on her birthdays.
When asked to share her thoughts on receiving the award, Lata, said, "All I can say is I am happy and proud....the award function would be the right place to talk about it."
The award is instituted by Mumbai-based socio-cultural organisation named 'Hridayesh Arts'.
The organisation was founded on October 26, 1990, the 53rd birthday of Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Lata's brother and renowned music composer.
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