Please join us today at 10:00AM EDT, as we celebrate birthday of India’s nightingale – Lata Mangeshkar, who turns 78. Lataji was born on September 28 1929 in Indore. Her father, Deenanath Mangeshkar was a classical singer and an actor. Her mother, Shudhamati was the 2^nd wife of Deenanathji. The original surname of the family was Hardikar, which Deenanath changed to Mangeshkar, to identify with his native village. Boy! isn’t his village turned into a household name forever!  Actually, Lata too had a different original name. It was “Hema”, but later got changed to Lakita, a character in one of Deenanath’s famous plays called Bhaan Bandhan. I guess, Deenanathji was fond of mapping names!

Lataji was followed by other well known singers and musicians siblings, Hridyanath, Asha, Usha and Meena. Needless to say, Mangeshkars – indeed became an art and musical power house within no time.

While growing up, Lata was unsure as to her real mission in life. Obviously, she had quite some exposure to arts and music within her own family and friends. She could have it either of the choices. Indeed, Lata did act and sing for movies. Can you name her first movie? J

In 1942 her father passed away due to heart attack. Thereafter, a close family friend, Master Vinayak started guided her career and musical training. He was also the owner of Navyug Chitrapat and ensured a bit part for 13-year old Lata. This, from all records, is Lata's first stint with movies. Dada Chandekar created the music, but to the best of anyone's knowledge, there was no Lata in any of the songs.

Please check Lataji’s wiki for more of her biography.

Wish her! Pen down few words for this living legend and do join us today at 10:00AM EDT.