Did you know melody queen Lata Mangeshkar had a penchant for photography? Know all about her hobbies and interests beyond singing

Lata Mageshkar

It's been three years since the legendary Lata Mangeshkar left for the heavenly abode. Fans across the world remember her as the Nightingale of India, whose voice defined generations of Indian music. However, beyond her legendary career as a playback singer, there was another artistic side to her that many may not know — her deep love for photography.

Lata Mangeshkar was not just a master of melody but also an avid photographer who found immense joy in capturing the world through her lens. Despite her demanding career in music, she developed a fascination for cameras and photography, often carrying her camera along during her travels. Her collection included some of the finest cameras of her time, and she took great care in learning about their specifications and techniques.

Unlike most casual photographers, Lata Ji had an eye for composition and storytelling. She enjoyed clicking candid photos of her colleagues in the film and music industry. Some rare, behind-the-scenes pictures of Bollywood legends like Kishore Kumar, Mukesh, Mohammed Rafi, and RD Burman were taken by her.

Her fascination with photography began during her childhood days. She bought a Rolleiflex camera in 1946 which became her inseparable companion for years serving as a travel companion and a creative outlet. She also loved painting and once painted a wound on her face and pretended to be hurt.

Lata Ji’s passion for photography was deeply tied to her love for travel. She frequently visited Switzerland, the United States, and various parts of India, always with her camera in tow. She loved capturing nature, landscapes, and architectural beauty.

Interestingly, Lata Mangeshkar was also known for her keen interest in technology, a rare trait for someone from her generation. She was one of the first people in the Indian film industry to own and use high-quality cameras. She even kept herself updated on the latest photography techniques and equipment, proving that her curiosity and passion for learning went beyond music.

While the world will always cherish Lata Mangeshkar’s unparalleled contribution to music, her lesser-known love for photography is an interesting dimension to her personality—one of an artist who saw beauty in both sound and sight.