September 28 marks the birth anniversary of the irreplaceable ‘nightingale’ of India, Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar. Spanning over a stellar seven decades, she has sung more than 36,000 songs in a remarkable 36 languages. Her devoted service and rendition in the world of music, indeed inspires generations ahead. Recognizing her unparalleled contribution, she is also crowned with titles such as “Queen of Melody” and “Voice of the Millennium”.
Born on September 28, 1929 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Lata Mangeshkar began her singing career in 1940s. In 1942 she sang a Marathi song titled, “Natali Chaitraachi Navalaai”. Her first Hindi song was “Mata Ek Sapoot Ki Duniya Badal De Tu” for the Marathi film Gajaabhaau. One of her first major hits was “Aayega Aanewaala,” a song in the movie Mahal in 1949. This song gave her the recognition of a renowned playback singer. Lata Mangeshkar sung in every genre and in every language possible including few foreign languages. Lata Mangeshkar was also an esteemed music director and composer. Her maiden composition was in 1950 for a Marathi movie.
She was a recipient of all the highest awards of the country. She was bestowed with Bharat Ratna in 2001, Padma Bhushan in 1969 and Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1989. She has also won National Film Award for a remarkable three times. In 1974, she became the maiden Indian playback singer to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, London. In 2009, she was bestowed with the highest civilian award of France, National Order of the Legion of Honour.
PM Modi pays tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary singer on her birth anniversary while addressing the nation through 126th episode of Mann Ki Baat. “Today is the birth anniversary of Lata Mangeshkar. Her songs comprise everything that stirs human emotions. The patriotic songs she sang inspired people. She also had a deep connection with the Indian culture”, PM Modi said.
ਅੱਜ ਦੇ #MannKiBaat ਐਪੀਸੋਡ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਭਗਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਅਤੇ ਲਤਾ ਦੀਦੀ ਨੂੰ ਯਾਦ ਕਰਕੇ ਕੀਤੀ। pic.twitter.com/QGuqG1NJkX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2025
PM Modi also said how Veer Savarkar inspired the life and legacy of Lata Mangeshkar. “Veer Savarkar is one of the greatest personalities who inspired Lata Didi, whom she used to call ‘Tatya’. She has also sung many Veer Savarkar songs”, PM Modi affirmed. Prime Minister also recalled his fond connection with the legendary singer and said that she was sending Rakhi to him every year without fail.
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