From solos to duet, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar left behind a treasure trove of songs that will be cherished by the generations to come. Though the singer cannot be described by any genre, Mangeshkar’s songs, always filled with emotion, were often sad and mostly dealt with unrequited love, but others involved national pride and were used to motivate Indians. Her last two recorded music include a ‘Gayatri Mantra’ and a song that was a tribute to the Indian Army. Check here.
Lata Mangeshkar's last 2 songs
‘Saugandh Mujhe Is Mitti Ki’ - a tribute to the Indian Army and nation was her last recorded song that was released on March 30, 2019.
The legendary singer also recorded the Gayatri Mantra for the wedding of Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal. The couple got married on December 12, 2018 and the legendary singer’s recording was played during the wedding.
Here are a few lesser-known facts about Lata Mangeskar:
Lata was born in a family of performers. Her father ran a theatre company, while her sisters Asha Bhonsle and Usha Mangeshkar are also well-known singers. She started her singing career at the age of 13 in 1942.
The first song of her career “Naachu Yaa Gade, Khelu Saari Mani Haus Bhaari" was recorded for a Marathi film in 1942. But unfortunately, the song was removed from the film’s final cut.
The singer recorded music in over 30 languages, primarily in Hindi and Marathi. During her career, she lent her voice to over 5,000 songs in over a thousand Bollywood and regional language films
Lata Mangeshkar holds the distinction of being the first Indian artist ever to perform live at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall in 1974. “This is my first concert outside India. I was quite nervous, but I am grateful for the warm reception," she said in her brief speech in Hindi.
In 1991, The Guinness Book of Records listed Mangeshkar as the most recorded artist in the world with not less than "30,000 solo, duet and chorus-backed songs" recorded in 20 Indian languages between 1948 and 1987. The record, however, was removed in 1991 by The Guinness Book of Records without any explanation.
In her career that spanned over 80 years, she has never worked with music director OP Nayar.
Some of Lata Mangeshkar's most famous tunes
In 70s and 80s, she was seen frequently collaborating with Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh
In the nineties, Lata was seen singing along with Kumar Sanu, SP Balahsubramanyam, Udit Narayan, Abhijeet Bhattacharya for music directors like AR Rahman, Jatin–Lalit, Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen.
How the industry remembers her:
Music composer AR Rahman said it's a sad day for us. Somebody like Lata Ji isn't just an icon, she's a part of India's music &poetry; this void will remain forever. I used to wake up to a picture of Lata Didi's face & get inspired; was lucky to record a few songs &sing along with her.
Madhuri Dixit, for whom Lata sang many songs, said The angelic voice that made us all swoon and fall in love has gone to the heavens to spread that love. Hearing Lata Tai’s melodies over the years, remembering her image in 2 choti’s & that childlike attribute has left like an imprint that will never ever leave our hearts.
Padma Bhushan Ustad Rashid Khan said, Lata Mangeshkar is the pride of India. Her demise has come as a shock to me and the whole nation. I pray that her soul rests in peace. We will always remember her; no one can take her place.
