I Didn't Like Acting... I Was Happiest Singing. - Lata Mangeshkar
GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE|NOVEMBER 2019
Lata Mangeshkar, the Nightingale Of India, has charmed the continents with her songs echoing every mood, every emotion. The legendary singer celebrates her 90th birthday today.
I Didn't Like Acting... I Was Happiest Singing. - Lata Mangeshkar

Born on September 28, 1929, Lata didi, as she is fondly addressed, has sung in over 36 languages. On her special day, we replay her last exclusive interview, which gives insights into her one-in-million persona...

Lata Mangeshkar. Two words that encapsulate seven decades of music and a golden volumnious chapter in Hindi music. Lata has been an intrinsic part of the national consciousness just like, perhaps, the Taj Mahal. Her songs of love and loss, hope and happiness, strife and success, have helped generations heal and deal with a spectrum of intricate human emotions. Distilled and unblemished, her voice springing from the inner recesses of a consecrated artiste has made Lata the stuff of legends…

A muse who enthused a hundred mentors and inspired a million melodies, she will continue to be heard so long as the sun and stars conform to the diktats of gravity. Lata’s tryst with music began when she was just five. As a teenager, she turned breadwinner to a family that became a victim of misfortune. “This year in October, I complete 75 years in the film industry. My father (noted musician Dinanath Mangeshkar) passed away in April 1942 and in October the same year I started working,” she looks back. Young Lata began as an actor and Pahili Mangalagaur (1942) with Shahu Modak was her first film followed by Chimukla Sansar (1943) and Maajhe Baal (1944). “I was around 13-14. So I’d get roles of the hero’s or the heroine’s sister. But I didn’t like acting. Applying make-up, laughing and crying on order wasn’t something I enjoyed. I was happiest singing,” she smiles. And sing she did only to achieve a position nothing short of deification.

This story is from the NOVEMBER 2019 edition of GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the NOVEMBER 2019 edition of GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINEView All
I haven't done homework for my films'
GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE

I haven't done homework for my films'

'In India, I'm able to work with the biggest stars on creating a scene, creating that emotion, without being too hung up on their persona.

time-read
4 mins  |
MAY 2024
'MY FACE IS MY GREATEST USP'
GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE

'MY FACE IS MY GREATEST USP'

'My tool is the way I look. This is the only thing that distinguishes me.' 'Most of us dress similarly. What sets you apart is your face. If you change that also, you're like anybody else.

time-read
7 mins  |
MAY 2024
'My Life Was In Danger'
GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE

'My Life Was In Danger'

\"I received many threatening calls and letters.' 'A fatwa was issued against me.'

time-read
7 mins  |
MAY 2024
Everybody would say I should act like My Sister
GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE

Everybody would say I should act like My Sister

‘Padmini and are very different people.’ Our acting styles are very different. She's from a different era.’

time-read
7 mins  |
MAY 2024
'EVERYBODY REJECTED ME'
GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE

'EVERYBODY REJECTED ME'

It is only fair that being around the industry has to rub off on its children.

time-read
5 mins  |
MAY 2024
'I DAMAGED MY VOICE ON PURPOSE
GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE

'I DAMAGED MY VOICE ON PURPOSE

'Pandi was promised something, that is not happening, so his anger is not of a villain's.' That's how all normal humans would react, or they would stay silent.' 'Our violence is our silence. So in this world, everybody is innocent.'

time-read
7 mins  |
MAY 2024
'I HAVE NEVER CALLED HIM DAD, I CALL HIM HANSAL SIR'
GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE

'I HAVE NEVER CALLED HIM DAD, I CALL HIM HANSAL SIR'

'For them, their father is the director of Shahid, Omerta, Simran, Scam 1992 and Scoop.' 'For me, my father is the director of Jayate, Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar, Chhal, Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai, three unreleased films and Woodstock Villa.' 'No one has seen these films.'

time-read
3 mins  |
MAY 2024
PARINEETI CHOPRA: Says actors need to be in 'cliques and camps' to get roles in Bollywood
GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE

PARINEETI CHOPRA: Says actors need to be in 'cliques and camps' to get roles in Bollywood

Parineeti Chopra revealed that she lost out on several roles and opportunities as she was not present at the right place at the right time Parineeti Chopra is currently basking in the success of her recently released film 'Amar Singh Chamkila' where she essayed the role of slain singer Amarjot Kaur, wife of singer Chamkila.

time-read
1 min  |
MAY 2024
THE MAN WE LOVE TO HATE IN YODHA
GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE

THE MAN WE LOVE TO HATE IN YODHA

‘Everybody has their bit of struggles and learnings. It will only end when you stop breathing.’

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2024
'I didn't make any money through TV'
GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE

'I didn't make any money through TV'

In an industry where talent shines brightly but perseverance shines brighter, Nikita Dutta’s journey from television to the silver screen is inspiring.

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2024