I have allowed it to flow as it came to me, so you will find Hindi/Marathi used freely. Lastly, while this is based on thorough research, it also flows straight from the heart, so is bound to be mixed with emotion. I fully respect that there will be many other opinions. Also, this is purely my analysis and my opinion, based on my limited expertise as a student of music, and of her work. This is simply an expression of that in the absolute, without any attempt to juxtapose.
This is not a comparison with any other singer I am a big fan of many singers, male and female, old and new yet Lataji holds a very special place in my heart. So, here I am with my intent and attempt to share my analysis of Lataji’s voice and its magic, her work and her career. These past weeks of social isolation allowed exactly that (funnily, with her songs keeping me company and spurring me on in the background). Fascinated by what I learnt and discovered, I have always wanted to share it, but was not able to dedicate the time it needed. Like any intense feeling of love and devotion, this too is difficult to explain and express, so I quote Nargis, the renowned yesteryear actress of Bollywood, who had very beautifully and aptly expressed that feeling – “लता किसी तारीफ के नहीं, बल्कि परसतिश के क़ाबिल हैं ।“ ( Translation : Lata is deserving not of praise, but of parastish – adoring worship.) Well-said, Nargis-ji, you got the precise word – we wholeheartedly agree with you – what we feel for Lataji is not admiration, not fandom, but परसतिश.Īs a lifelong devotee and student of Lataji’s work, I have closely studied her voice and her singing in a bid to understand its greatness and also to try and sing her songs. “Fans” would be a misnomer, for we are not just fans, we are devotees of her voice. I believe these feelings are shared by millions around the world across generations, who, like me, are Lataji’s ardent fans. So immense and immeasurable is the impact of Lataji’s voice on me, that it has become a part of me, my life, my existence.Īnd I am not alone in feeling this way. Every time I listen to this voice, it makes me close my eyes and sway to its sweetness, forgetting everything else, filling me with joy and peace.
My love for music was solidified and most of the Hindi I know was learnt by listening to her songs. It has laughed with me in happy times, cried with me in sad times, stood by my side when I felt lonely, inspired me when I was short on hope, patted me to sleep when I needed it, and helped me to reach inwards to find peace when I was disturbed. This voice has been my companion throughout my life, from as far back as I remember. Her voice holds a very special place in my life and my heart. Music has always been a big part of my life, and Lata Mangeshkar (Lataji) a big part of that music.