The best-known playback singer in the Hindi film industry, Lata Mangeshkar started her career in the 1940s. Since then, she has sung in over a thousand movies and in more than 20 regional Indian languages. DNA asks music lovers what they think about the phenomenon.
Her voice modulation is mind-boggling
Lata didi is a guru for aspirants as well as accomplished singers. She is revered by both the Hindi film industry and classical music fans alike. The manner in which she modulates her voice to suit actors is simply mind-boggling. She has been around for decades and even at this age, she can sing for a 20-year-old actress. Even today if one listens to her vintage songs, one will be enthralled by her voice and feel as if it was sung recently. She has set many milestones and landmarks, but the singers of this generation will never be able to get even close to it. Other playback singers will come and go, but she will remain with us forever. One needs to learn from her about the way she maintains her voice.
—Manjusha Kulkarni-Patil, classical singer
Didi's fame transcends boundaries
When I have to say something about music, composition or any individual in the field, I recollect many words to describe them. But when I have to say something about Lata didi, I can’t find any suitable words for her, which can really describe her contribution. I’m lucky thatI got the pportunity to interact with her. Didi’s fame extends beyond the country, her songs are recognised world over. She towers over her conte poraries, past and present and is an institution in her own right. Her ability to enthral the audience cannot be achieved by anyone. She is a living deity for me.
—Sunidhi Chauhan, singer
Humility sets her apart, none can hold a candle to her
Lata didi is an inspiration for everyone from singers, lyrics writers and music directors. It has always been a dream for us to work with her as music directors. Her voice is impeccable and no one can hold a candle to her. As a professional singer, she is very dedicated. She still rehearses before recording songs. Didi works hard and gives depth to the songs. Before recording songs, she understands the meaning of the songs. Her dedication to the world of music is without parallel. As a human being, she is very humble despite spending more than 60 years in her profession. We are lucky to witness her best works. We wish her a long life on her 80th birthday.
—Justin-Uday, music director
Certainly the living legend of this era
Lata didi got her first big break in the 1940s. Thereafter there was no looking back till about 1980s when new music directors appeared on the scene and experimented with younger artistes. That's when we saw a string of new playback singers showcasing their talent. Yet she straddled the music scene, for so many years. Nevertheless, the current breed of singers are nowhere near her.
—Deepak Agarkar
Above all a great human being
When I want to listen to a soothing singer, I always play her songs. She has a unique quality in her voice. It's melodious and ageless. She has also maintained her poise and dignity throughout her career. She has given an identity to our country, due to her voice. As a human being, I find she is a real patriot. Even after achieving great success in her career she is very simple.
—Shilpa Suryawanshi
Music wouldn't be same without her
Lata Mangeshkar selects a song on the basis of the lyrics. Unlike others, she likes to be comfortable with the lyrics. It’s this extra attention to detail that has kept her ticking for so long. She has created a niche for herself and her genre is very different from today's rock or pop styles. Indian music industry wouldn't be the same without her, because we wouldn't have had evergreen songs.
—Jimit Shah
She is still a Marathi at heart
Today she is going to be 80, but she can still lend her voice to any newcomer. Her voice is ageless. Every song that she has sung has depth. She has made us proud as her singing is popular worldwide. She is a versatile singer and has managed to steer away from controversies. Despite having international fan following, she has not forgotten the Maharashtrian traditions.
—Tejashree Bhopatkar
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