She is ageless, timeless. Over seven many years she has given us probably the most elegant and enchanting music. We’re certainly lucky to have lived when Lataji’s melodious voice resonated on the planet.
The times when Lataji would come dwelling are amongst the particular recollections for us as a household. Lataji was like a member of our household and we frequently noticed her at dwelling. She was the ‘rakhi’ sister to my father and mom and her charming mushy manner and affection touched our hearts. It was with my mom that Lataji had a detailed bond on the time they usually had their very own house discussing households, sarees and customary pals. What stood out for me was that, right here was the supreme singing diva of our era and but she was like all regular individual speaking plain easy issues that folks speak, in probably the most right down to earth method conceivable. Success didn’t alter her. She was humble, extraordinarily curious and had a child-like innocence.
Not like all artistes who’ve a peak to their profession, Lataji remained in her prime all by means of. I’ve had the nice fortune of listening to her sing completely uncooked in our lounge, devoid of the trimmings of a studio and recording gear. I recall the time she sang just a few traces from “Aayega aane walaa”. It was a ‘raungtey khade ho gaye’ second. Merely magical and unforgettable. For the world she was the numero uno voice, however for us she was, is and can perpetually be Lata Didi.
Like all true Mumbaikars she had a deep ardour for cricket. She would talk about the nuances of the sport with me, whether or not it was a Check match or an IPL recreation. My connection along with her grew due to our music firm HMV. She knew each member of the employees on the HMV workplace and it was all the time a deal with for them when she visited the workplace.
She by no means forgot a festive event, whether or not a birthday or a marriage, and we might get stunning items from her. Simply two months again, I spoke with to Lataji on the cellphone for half an hour. Her voice was nonetheless very recent and she or he nonetheless had the identical enthusiasm. After all she lamented that she couldn’t transfer. However we mentioned cricket and unusually, some politics. She had a whole lot of reward for PM Narendra Modi and spoke of their mutual affection.
Considered one of her proudest achievements was how she created the Deenanath Mangeshkar hospital in Pune. She was dedicated to that hospital.
Her melody is immortal and can proceed to sing to every one in every of us. Whether or not it’s a love ballad or a grieving requiem or a galvanising anthem, that one single voice, the unmistakable sound of the nightingale of our occasions will all the time ring by means of the center of India.
Dearest Lata didi,
Tere bina zindagi se koi, shikwa to nahi
Tere bina zindagi bhi lekin, zindagi to nahi.
The heavens will sound sweeter from at present.
The author is Chairman, RPG Enterprises.
Supply: Live Mint