Lata Mangeshkar will preside over a private family dinner on Tuesday on the occasion of her 92nd birthday. "It's God's grace and my parents' blessings that I have turned 92. I pray the Almighty blesses our country as well during these horrific Covid19 times," Mangeshkar told TOI on Monday.
Stating that the birthday celebration will be a low key affair, Mangeshkar, the 2002 recipient of Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour, said, "The Covid19 restrictions are being observed strictly by my family. Only close relatives will attend the dinner."
Recalling her long and fruitful association with Mumbai, the melody queen said, "I remember my frequent trips to Malad to record a Bombay Talkies number or at the Filmistan studio which was located in Goregaon. The train journey was pleasant as there were few passengers around. Suburbs looked green and the morning breeze was fresh," she remembered.
It was 'Aayegaa Aanewala,' the haunting melody from 'Mahal', a 1948 Bombay Talkies production, which catapulted Mangeshkar to instant stardom at age 19. Soon, hits from Barsat, Badi Behen, Andaz, Anarkali and Albela affirmed the vocalist's formidable reputation as playback singer.
Mangeshkar said her birthday parties were "strictly private" even during her heydays as crooner. "Actually, I am not a party animal. There would be no recording for me on my birthday. I would spend quality time with Maiee (mother) and my siblings. Maiee would cook delicious lunch and we would all spend the entire afternoon eating, chatting and laughing," added Latadidi.
Said Rachana Shah, noted writer and Didi's niece, "We all will assemble at Prabhu Kunj (Mangeshkar's iconic Peddar Road residence) in the evening and listen to stories of the golden era of Hindi cinema from Didimavshi. And in return tell her many jokes which will make her happy."
