Happy Birthday Lata Mangeshkar: Unknown facts about the legendary singer will leave you fascinated

New Delhi : Lata Mangeshkar has been an inevitable part of the Indian music industry. Popularly known as ‘The Nightingale of India’ began singing at the early age of 13 years. Her career path from childhood till date is quite inspiring for all. And today, the legendary singer turns 91.

So, here are some unknown facts about Lata Mangeshkar.

Lata Ji’s original name was ‘Hema.’ She was later named Lata that was inspired by ‘Latika,’ a popular character from her father’s play titled Bhaaw Bandhan.

Sashadhar Mukherjee, a renowned producer, had earlier dismissed Lata Mangeshkar’s voice as ‘too thin.’ Lata Ji initially used to imitate the voice of Noor Jehan, an acclaimed playback singer and actress of those times.

The category of best playback singer at the Filmfare Awards was introduced in 1959 after Lata Mangeshkar’s protest.

The singer attended school only for a day. That is because she wasn’t allowed to bring her sister Asha along with her while coming there.

The song Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo was originally meant to be a duet. And the interesting part here is that it was supposed to be sung by Lata Mangeshkar and her sister Asha Bhosle. But the latter was dropped when Lata Ji insisted on recording it solo.

Lata Mangeshkar is the first-ever Indian singer to have performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London (1974).