Lata Mangeshkar (28 September 1929 – 6 February 2022) was an Indian playback singer widely regarded as the greatest voice in the history of Indian film music. Known as the “Nightingale of India”, she sang for more than seven decades and recorded thousands of songs in over 30 languages. She shaped the sound of Hindi cinema from the 1940s onwards. She received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar |
| Born | 28 September 1929, Indore, India |
| Died | 6 February 2022, Mumbai (aged 92) |
| Known as | Nightingale of India, Queen of Melody |
| Father | Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar |
| Siblings | Asha Bhosle, Usha, Meena and Hridaynath Mangeshkar |
| Years active | 1942–2022 |
| Honours | Bharat Ratna (2001), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1989), Légion d’honneur (2007) |
Early Life
Lata was born in Indore, the eldest child of Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, a classical singer and theatre actor. She learned music from her father as a small child. When he died in 1942, 13-year-old Lata became the family’s main earner and took small acting and singing roles in Marathi and Hindi films.
Career
After moving to Bombay, Lata was at first rejected by some producers, who found her voice too thin. Composer Ghulam Haider championed her, and her breakthrough came with “Aayega Aanewala” from Mahal (1949). By the 1950s she was the leading female voice in Hindi cinema. She worked with every great composer of the era, from Naushad and S. D. Burman to Shankar–Jaikishan, Madan Mohan and Laxmikant–Pyarelal.
In January 1963 Lata sang the patriotic song “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon” in memory of soldiers killed in the war with China. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was said to have been moved to tears. The song remains one of the most famous performances in Indian history.
Lata’s career spanned generations of stars, from Madhubala and Nargis to Madhuri Dixit and Kajol. She won three National Film Awards and several Filmfare Awards. In 1970 she stopped accepting Filmfare awards so that newer singers could be recognised. She continued recording into the 2000s, and her voice remained the benchmark for Indian playback singing.
Personal Life and Death
Lata never married and devoted her life to music and her family. Her younger sister Asha Bhosle also became a legendary singer. Lata died in Mumbai on 6 February 2022, aged 92, after being treated for COVID-19 and complications. She was given a state funeral, and India declared two days of national mourning.
Awards and Honours
Popular Songs
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Lata Mangeshkar born?
Lata Mangeshkar was born on 28 September 1929 in Indore, India.
When did Lata Mangeshkar die?
Died: 6 February 2022, Mumbai (aged 92).
What honours has Lata Mangeshkar received?
Bharat Ratna (2001), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1989), Légion d’honneur (2007).
