Lata Mangeshkar, one of the most iconic voices in Indian music, passed away on Sunday at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped the cultural and musical landscape of the subcontinent. Known as the “Nightingale of India,” Lata Mangeshkar’s contribution to music transcended borders, resonating with listeners across generations and geographies.
Early Life and Musical Journey
Born on September 28, 1929, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Lata was blessed with a natural affinity for music from a young age. She hailed from a family that valued arts and culture, with her father, Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, being a classical singer and stage actor. Music was in her blood, and by the age of 13, she had already begun her career, making her debut with the Marathi song Pehli Mangala Gaur in 1942.
Lata’s entry into Hindi cinema came in 1947 with the film Aapki Seva Mein, and from that moment onward, she became the voice behind countless timeless songs. Over an 80-year career, Lata Mangeshkar sang more than 50,000 songs in 36 languages, becoming a household name across India and beyond. Her last song was recorded in 2015 for the film Dunno Y2 by Nikhil Kamat.
Legacy in Nepali Music
Lata Mangeshkar’s influence extended beyond India’s borders, touching the hearts of music lovers in Nepal as well. Though she sang only three Nepali songs, her voice left a deep imprint on the nation. The songs Akashma Tirnire Tara, Jun Mato Maile Janma Lien, and Bachunjelilai continue to resonate with Nepali audiences, who remember her for her ethereal voice and her ability to evoke deep emotions through her music.
Her first Nepali song, Akashma Tirnire Tara, was written by King Mahendra (M.B.B. Shah) with music composed by Hemant Kumar. Her second song, Jun Mato Maile Janma Lien, featured in the Nepali film Maitighar, also written by King Mahendra with music by Jaydev. The third, Bachunjelilai, was a duet with popular Nepali singer Ram Krishna Dhakal. The song was composed by Shikhar Santosh and penned by Anand Adhikari. Each of these songs left a lasting impact on Nepali music, further cementing her legacy across the subcontinent.
Tributes From Nepal
Lata Mangeshkar’s passing has left a profound sense of loss, not only in India but also in Nepal. Both Nepal’s President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba paid tribute to her on social media. President Bhandari expressed her grief, writing, “I am deeply saddened by the news of Lata Mangeshkar’s passing, who enriched several Nepali songs with her melodious voice. I offer my heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary talent that was Lata Mangeshkar.”
Similarly, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba conveyed his condolences, acknowledging her contribution to Nepali music. Despite having sung only a few songs in the Nepali language, Lata Mangeshkar’s impact was felt deeply by music lovers throughout Nepal.
A Personal Connection
Nepali singer Ram Krishna Dhakal, who had the privilege of singing Bachunjelilai alongside Lata Mangeshkar, shared an emotional tribute, reflecting on his personal connection with her. “I had the greatest fortune of singing with her, which remains the most cherished moment of my life. Her absence will forever leave a void in the world of music,” Dhakal said.
He further added, “Lata Mangeshkar was revered as an incarnation of Goddess Saraswati, and her passing on the auspicious day of Saraswati Puja feels like a divine return. But for all of us, her departure leaves an immeasurable void. Without her, the sky of music will truly feel darker.”
Lata Mangeshkar’s contribution to music is unparalleled. Her voice was not just a medium of entertainment; it was an emotional connection, an art form that transcended languages, borders, and time. While her physical presence may no longer be with us, her songs will continue to echo in the hearts of millions. From India to Nepal and beyond, Lata Mangeshkar’s voice will remain immortal, a symbol of musical excellence for generations to come.
