Lata Mangeshkar remains one of the most influential playback singers in the history of Indian cinema. Decades after she began her musical journey, her voice and songs continue to remain deeply associated with generations of listeners. On her birth anniversary, an old interview featuring the legendary singer has once again drawn attention online.Lata Mangeshkar was born on September 28, 1929. She would have turned 97 on Monday. The singer passed away in Mumbai in 2022 at the age of 92. Her career spanned several decades and included thousands of songs across multiple Indian languages.

What Lata Mangeshkar said about rebirth

During an old interaction, Javed Akhtar asked Lata Mangeshkar about the possibility of being born again. The singer responded with characteristic honesty while speaking about the difficulties she associated with her own life.“Naa hi janam miley toh acha hain aur agar wakayi janam mila mujhe toh main Lata Mangeshkar banna nahi chahungi. Lata Mangeshkar ki jo taqleefein hain wo usko hi pata hain.” (“I would rather not be born again. But if I am born again, I would not want to be Lata Mangeshkar. Only Lata Mangeshkar knows the difficulties she has faced.”). Agar punar janam mila toh mujhe chota ghar mein paida karo. Mujhe ladki nahi ladka banakar bhejo.“

Lata Mangeshkar’s enduring musical legacy

Lata Mangeshkar’s career remains closely linked to some of the most memorable songs in Indian cinema. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Lata Mangeshkar on Monday, September 28, marking her birth anniversary. He highlighted her contribution to Indian music and her role in taking the country’s musical heritage to international audiences.“On this, her birth anniversary, I pay my humble respects to the revered Lata Didi, who illuminated the name of our nation across the world with her divine singing talent. She not only adorned and enriched Bharatvarsha with her melodious notes but also steadfastly encouraged every endeavour linked to the prosperity of the country.”