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Lata Mangeshkar was an Indian playback singer and music composer in the Bollywood industry and is considered one of the greatest in the Indian music industry. Mangeshkar recorded songs in more than 36 Indian languages and a few international ones, although her native tongues are Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, and Nepali. Throughout her career, she was recognized with numerous awards and distinctions. Read this blog to learn more about the life history of Lata Mangeshkar.
Table of Contents
| Overview of Lata Mangeshkar | |
| Birth | September 28, 1929 |
| Place of Birth | Indore, India |
| Also Known As | Nightingale of India and Queen of Melody |
| Parent(s) | Deenanath Mangeshkar (father)Shevanti Mangeshkar (mother) |
| Siblings | Meena, Asha, Usha, and Hridaynath |
| Occupation | Playback singer, music director, producer |
| Honours | Padma Bhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Maharashtra Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Bharat Ratna, Legion of Honour. |
| Awards | National Film Awards, BFJA Awards, Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer, etc |
| Died | February 6, 2022, aged 92 |
Biography Of Lata Mangeshkar
| Life Stage | Details |
| Early Life (1929-1945) | Born: September 28, 1929, Indore Father: Deenanath Mangeshkar Marathi, classical singer Introduced to music at a young age Began acting in Marathi films |
| Breakthrough (1946-1950) | First Hindi film song: “Paa Lagoon Kar Jori” (1946) Established herself as a prominent playback singer Sang in multiple languages, including Marathi and Bengali |
| Peak Career (1960s-1980s) | Renowned for her distinctive voice and versatility Recorded songs for over 2,000 films Collaborated with legendary music directors Received Padma Bhushan (1969) |
| Later Years & Legacy | Continued to record and perform Received highest civilian honours: Bharat Ratna (2001) Established Lata Mangeshkar Award Died: February 6, 2022 |
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Early Life Of Lata Mangeshkar
Lata Mangeshkar was born on September 28, 1929, in a Brahmin family in Indore.
- Deenanath Mangeshkar, her father, was a Marathi classical singer and theatre artist who was popularly known as ‘Master Deenanath’
- At the age of 13, her family introduced her to music, and she recorded her first song for Vasant Joglekar’s Marathi film, Kiti Hasaal.
- “Hema” was Lata Mangeshkar’s birth name. Later on, in honour of a female character named Latika from one of her father’s plays, BhaawBandhan, her parents changed her name to Lata.
- Her siblings, Meena, Asha, Usha and Hridaynath, are all accomplished singers and musicians.
- Over the course of her more than 60-year career, she provided the singing voice for numerous Bollywood leading ladies.
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Early Career Of Lata Mangeshkar
Lata Mangeshkar’s career had a huge impact on the Indian music scene and film industry.
| Stage | Year | Description |
| Beginnings | 1942 | Sang her first Marathi song, “Naachu Yaa Gade, Khelu Saari Mani Haus Bhaari” (though ultimately cut from the film). |
| Film Debut | 1943 | She recorded her first Hindi song, “Mata Ek Sapoot Ki Duniya Badal De Tu,” for the Marathi film “Gzhabhau.” |
| Move to Mumbai | 1945 | Followed Master Vinayak’s company to Mumbai and began training in Hindustani classical music under Ustad Aman Ali Khan. |
| Early Recordings | 1946 | Sang “Paa Lagoon Kar Jori” for the Hindi film “Aap Ki Seva Mein”. |
| Acting & Singing | 1940s | Played minor roles in some Marathi and Hindi films while pursuing a singing career. |
| Struggle & Support | 1940s | Faced challenges due to her young age and the need to support her family. |
| Early Success | Late 1940s | Gained recognition with hit songs in films like “Andaz” (1949). |
Lata Mangeshkar Awards and Honors
Lata Mangeshkar, throughout her lifetime, won a number of awards for her contributions to the Indian art scene, some of which are as follows.
| Years | Awards |
| 2009 | ANR National Award |
| 2007 | Legion Of Honor |
| 2001 | Bharat Ratna |
| 1999 | Padma Vibushan |
| 1999 | Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement |
| 1999 | NTR National Award |
| 1997 | Maharashtra Bhushan Award |
| 1989 | Dadasaheb Phalke Award |
| 1972, 1974, and 1990 | National Film Award |
| 1959, 1963, 1966, and 1970 | Female Best Female Playback |
| 1993 | Filmfare Lifetime Achievement |
| 1994 and 2004 | Filmfare Special Award |
| 1984 | State Government of Madhya Pradesh instituted the Lata Mangeshkar Award of Lata Mangeshkar |
| 1992 | State Government of Maharashtra also instituted the Lata Mangeshkar Award |
| 1969 | Padma Bhushan |
| 2009 | She was awarded the title of Officer of the French Legion of Honor, France’s highest order |
| 2012 | She was ranked number 10 in Outlook India’s poll of the Greatest Indian |
FAQs
Lata Mangeshkar was a prominent Indian playback singer and music composer known for her extensive contributions to Bollywood and Indian music, with a career spanning over six decades.
She recorded songs in over 36 languages, received the Bharat Ratna (2001), and is remembered for her versatility and distinctive voice, contributing to over 2,000 films.
Lata Mangeshkar, a legendary figure in Indian music, passed away on February 6, 2022, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of music and culture.
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