Lata Mangeshkar & Lesser Known Stories- Remembering The Legendary Singer On Her 12th Day Ritual

It's been 12 days since the Nightingale of India Lata Mangeshkar passed away, but, many are yet to accept the truth. Born on September 28, 1929 as Hema Mangeshkar, Lata is and will be considered the greatest and most influential singer of India. 

She was the real Bharat Ratna in the true sense spreading the charm of her voice across many generations for over several decades. Her contribution to the Indian music industry will also be cherished till eternity. 

Remembering Lata Didi on the 12th day of her heavenly abode, here we bring in a few lesser-known facts about the legendary singer.

Earlier on February 15, we had presented an interesting episode between Lataji and Kishore Da.  

This time, lets know the lesser known tiff between Mohammad Rafi And Lata Mangeshkar

Apart from Kishore Kumar, Lataji has recorded several songs with Mohammad Rafi. The duo’s duet ruled the charts and the music industry. However, they had a tiff and did not sing together for around 3 years. They didn't even share a cordial relationship in their personal life. The duo fell out on issues of payment royalty to singers following which they decided not to sing together. However, later things were sorted out.

"Lag Ja Gale..."

‘Lag Ja Gale’ sung by Lata Mangeshkar is another evergreen song that is also hummed by music lovers in the young generation. Be it a singer or non-singer, the depth of this song can be sensed by everyone that made it a classic. This song from the suspense drama 'Woh Kaun Thi' was penned by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan and decorated musically by Madan Mohan. 

However, there is a lesser-known fact behind this timeless song. 

As said by Sanjeev Kohli (Madan Mohan's son), Lataji often said that Lag Ja Gale was a tough song to sing. All the murkis and variations suggested by the music director were quite difficult. Even, the singer herself had added a few variations to the song. The songs then were recorded in a 4-hour shift with all musicians and singer/s together with retakes. 

Director Raj Khosla and Madan Mohan were good friends and he reminded the music director about a haunting song which was composed in 1949/50 but rejected by many directors. It was Naina Barse which became the theme song of the movie. 

However, it was the same Raj Khosla who rejected the tune of Lag Ja Gale in the first sitting. As said by Kohli, he (Raj) felt that the tune was not haunting enough for a ghost story. But, Madanji was quite confident about his creation and requested the leading man to intervene. The second sitting was soon arranged with Manoj Kumarji present on the spot, the same tune was presented again. The director got blown away in the second sitting.

Despite limited technology, the song sounds so fresh even today. Isn't it!

"Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchan Hai"

"Meri Aawaz Hi Pehechan Hai...." is not just the lyrics of a song. Each and every word in the lyrics has a deep meaning and it is justified. "My voice is indeed my identity”, is what the lyrics mean.

"Meri awaaz hi pehchan hai" is from the song “Naam Gum Jaayega” which was penned by veteran lyricist-poet Gulzar in his directed movie 'Kinaara' in 1977. This song directed by another legend RD Burman went on to become a landmark from the singer and is still cherished by music lovers even after several decades. 

This line from the song abruptly got associated with the singer and will ever remain.

During an interview, decades back, the Nightingale had said, “Everyone in the country knows that Gulzar sahab writes beautifully. He also speaks beautifully. When I was singing (this song), he came to me and gently said, ‘Meri awaaz hi pehchan hai aur ye hai pehchan’. He said something like this. But later, I also started saying that ‘my voice is my identity’. And now whoever sings that song or writes about me says those lines.”

Lata Mangeshkar And Yash Chopra Magic

Filmmaker Yash Chopra and Lataji shared a very beautiful relationship. Can you imagine YRF's movie without Lata's song? Of course, not! Be it Daag, Kabhie Kabhie, Silsila or new-age movies like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, Mohabbatein or Veer-Zaara, one can't find a movie without Lata's song. Though Lata had officially given up on playback singing, it was Yash who convinced her to sing for his films. Lata's official full-fledged song was from Veer-Zaara. 

Lata- The Revolutionary

The singing icon was known in the industry for her outspoken attitude. Today's singers are enjoying the benefits for the stand she took decades back. From giving credit to singers to getting awards and royalty share, it was Lata who took the stand and the rest is history. 

Apart from that, Lata stopped singing in modern films for her dislike in remixing and re-recording old classic songs. As per the singing legend, remixing or re-recording spoiled the magic of the original. Well, no one would disagree over such a thought. Isn't it!

May her divine soul rest in peace!