When Lata Mangeshkar said she didn't want to reborn as herself: Meri jo taqleefein hain..

Late singer Lata Mangeshkar

Lata Mangeshkar, revered as one of Bollywood's most iconic playback singers, remains unmatched in her talent and contribution to Indian music. Known for lending her soulful voice to timeless classics such as Luka Chuppi, Dil Deewana, Humko Humise Chura Lo, and Yeh Galiyan Yeh Chaubara, she left an indelible mark on generations of music lovers.

Recently, an old video of Lata Mangeshkar discussing the concept of rebirth has resurfaced on social media, reigniting admiration and nostalgia for the musical maestro.

In a heartfelt discussion with Javed Akhtar, Lata Mangeshkar shared her thoughts on the concept of rebirth. The iconic singer expressed that she wouldn’t want to be reborn, but if fate decreed it, she wouldn’t wish to return as Lata Mangeshkar. She candidly revealed that the challenges she faced were known only to her, adding a personal and reflective dimension to the conversation.

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Talking about the same, she said, "Naa hi janam miley toh acha hain aur agar wakayi janam mila mujhe toh main Lata Mangeshkar banna nahi chahungi. But if I do, I don’t want to be reborn as Lata Mangeshkar."

When a puzzled Akhtar asked her why, the legendary singer smiled gently, offering no further explanation, leaving the sentiment open to interpretation. "Lata Mangeshkar ki jo taqleefein hain wo usko hi pata hain (Lata Mangeshkar’s problems are known only to her)," the singer said. However, the reasons behind the singer's decision to make such a statement remain unclear.

Born on September 28, 1929, in Indore, she began her singing career at the young age of 13. Lata Mangeshkar's voice became synonymous with Bollywood music, and she recorded an astounding 30,000 songs in various Indian languages, making her one of the most prolific singers in the world. She is the sister of another legendary singer Asha Bhosle.

Her breakthrough came in 1942, when she recorded her first song for a Marathi film. However, it was her collaboration with legendary music directors like S.D. Burman, Shankar Jaikishan, and Laxmikant Pyarelal that cemented her place in the hearts of millions. Lata's contribution to the Indian music industry is unparalleled, and she is best known for her soulful renditions of songs in films like Mughal-e-Azam, Mother India, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Baiju Bawra, and many others.

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She received several accolades throughout her career, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 2001, and several National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, and Padma Bhushan honors. Lata's voice is celebrated for its purity, versatility, and emotional depth, making her a beloved figure across generations of music lovers.

Although the legendary singer passed away on February 6, 2022, her legacy endures. She was hospitalized for nearly a month due to complications from Covid-19 and then later succumbed to multi-organ failure.