Published By: Sayan Paul

Lata Mangeshkar's Death Anniversary: The "Nightingale Of India" Never Listened To Her Songs, Know Why

Lata Mangeshkar recorded thousands of songs in thirty-six Indian languages and a few foreign languages. However, she never listened to her own songs.

There's one Sun, one Moon, and one Earth. Just like that, there was one Lata Mangeshkar. And as it goes without saying, there will never be another like her. She was, in Dilip Kumar's words, "kudrat ki takhleek ka ek karishma", who united millions together with her voice. Whether it is "Lag Ja Gale", "Mausam Ka Jaadu", "Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh", "Mere Khwabon Mein", "Jiya Jale", "Luka Chhupi", or "Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo" - her songs penetrate deep into our souls, providing us with solace in times of despair. Her music is like what they are saying on social media these days: Kitna Bhag Loge? Aakhir Mei To Yahi Aana Hai. (How far can you run? In the end, you'll have to come back here.)

Born on September 28, 1929, Lata Mangeshkar is widely regarded as one of the most influential singers of the Indian subcontinent of all time. Often referred to as the "Nightingale of India", she appeared in the Guinness World Records as the most-recorded artist in history before being replaced by her sister, Asha Bhosle. Moreover, she received several accolades and honors throughout her career, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

(Credit: Film History Pics)

However, what's interesting (and shocking as well) is that the legendary singer never listened to her own songs. Why? Let's learn that as we observe her 3rd death anniversary.

Why Lata Mangeshkar Never Listened To Her Own Songs

Surprising as it may sound, Lata Mangeshkar was quite insecure about her own voice - yes, the voice that enthralled the entire world, and earned her the moniker, "Voice of the Millennium". And hence, she always believed that if she listened to her songs, she would end up finding mistakes.

As the legendary singer shared in one of her interviews, "I never listen to my songs. If I did, I would 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," she added.

(Credit: TARIQUE)

In that same interview, she said, “I can’t believe I’ve been tolerated by music lovers for 75 years. Without their love and loyalty, I’d be nothing. I’ve never allowed success to go to my head. I’ve seen many artists fall because of their pride. I’ve persuaded myself to stay humble and grounded. God has been very kind to me. Even my substandard songs have been accepted by my listeners. The blessings of my parents and the love of my listeners are what have kept me going.”

Some Other Interesting Facts To Know

The "Queen of Melody" faced lots of rejections in her early career. In fact, she was rejected by Sashadhar Mukherjee (who was the owner of Filmistan) for her "thin and sharp" voice.

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: Film History Pics)

It was music director Ghulam Haider who first saw potential in her. He said about her, "I am sure this girl will soon leave everyone behind, including Noor Jahan."