Published By: Sayan Paul

Lata Mangeshkar's Death Anniversary:  Did You Know The "Queen Of Melody" Was Once Rejected For Her Voice?

Could you believe that Lata Mangeshkar - known as the "Voice of the Millennium" - was rejected by filmmakers and music producers?

Speaking about Lata Mangeshkar, even if we set aside everything else - such as her technical prowess, her command over rhythm, and her unmatched ability to emote - her voice alone was a phenomenon that could do all the magic. As Dilip Kumar said, "The way the fragrance of a flower has no color, a flowing spring or cool breezes belong to no country, the smile of an innocent child has no religion, similarly Lata Mangeshkar's voice is a miracle of nature's creativity." There was something of an ethereal quality in her voice that always hits the right chords in our hearts. It was, as Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan aptly put it, "never off-key", and perfect for every genre of music. And obviously, its sheer and unbelievable range - that allowed her to convey everything from joy to sorrow with perfection.

Widely regarded as the "Voice of the Millennium", Lata Mangeshkar is one of the most recorded artists in history. However, that doesn't mean her career was without any struggle. In fact - surprising as it may sound - she was frequently rejected for her 'voice'. Yes, you read it right!

(Credit: Film History Pics)

As we observe her 3rd death anniversary today, let's learn about that in this article.

When Lata Mangeshkar Was Rejected For Her Voice

During the initial phase of her career, Lata Mangeshkar faced constant rejection from filmmakers and music directors. According to reports, that was particularly because of her thin voice.

Recalling one such incident, the legendary singer later shared in an interview, "It was Mukherjee sahib (Sashadhar Mukherjee) who was the owner of Filmistan. At that time the film Shaheed was being made, whose music was by master Ghulam Haider Sahab. He heard me and said that I want to record your song. He said you sing the same song – don’t cry bubbles here. I was a fan of Noor Jahan, so I sang that song. This song was wanted for Kamini Kaushal, Yusuf Bhai (Dilip Kumar) was a hero. When Mukherjee sahib heard it, he started saying – no, this voice is too thin, my heroine will not suit."

Needless to say, Ghulam Haider didn't agree with Mukherjee, and told her that this singer would go on to become a phenomenon, making producers and directors "fall at her feet" and "beg her to sing in their films". And he said, "I am sure that this girl will soon leave everyone behind, including Noor Jahan."

(Credit: Film History Pics)

Well, that's what we call 'vision'. He was absolutely right in his prediction!

Lata Ji Herself Wasn't Fond Of Her Voice

Not only directors and producers, but Mangeshkar herself wasn't fond of her own voice. In fact, she remained insecure about it her whole life, and that's why never listened to her own songs. In her words, "Never! I never listen to my songs. If I did, I’d find a hundred mistakes in my singing. Even in the past, once I finished recording a song I was done with it. If at all I listen to them, I feel I could have done so much better, applied my creative mind, given it a higher rendition."

(Credit: Film History Pics)

Some Interesting Facts To Know

Lata Mangeshkar faced numerous rejections in her early career. She was consistently compared to the popular singers of that era, especially Noor Jahan and Shamshad Begum.

She made her playback singing debut with the 1942 Marathi film 'Kiti Hasaal'. However, her song was edited out from the film's final cut.

(Credit: Amrit Mahotsav)

And that singer went on to receive three National Film Awards, four Filmfare Best Female Playback Awards, 15 Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards, two Filmfare Special Awards, and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award amongst others.

Rest in Peace, Lata Ji. Thanks For All The Songs!