We all are saddened with grief due to the sudden demise of our favorite Melody Queen LataMangeshkar, however not many are aware of the endless challenges she went through to become the Musical Legend that she is known to be today.

Early Life and Struggles
Family
Born to a Maharashtrian Brahmin family she is the eldest of five siblings in the family of DinanathaMangeshkar and ShevantiMangeshkar’s children. Her roots belong to Goa where her father altered his surname from Haridkar to Mangeshkar. Her entire family is that of artists; singers and theatrical actors that gave her a head start in her musical career.
She took her training from her father and began her musical journey at the age of Five. She also received training from Amanat Khan, PanditTulsidasSharma, and Aman Ali Khan Saheb during that same time. However, life would never be easy for her, especially when her father left for his heavenly abode when she was at the tender age of thirteen. Being the eldest of all the siblings, she took the responsibility of her entire household and became the breadwinner/ guardian/ financial provider for all.

Career
Lataji’sjourney began in the year 1940’s wherein she would begin to establish herself in her career. With meagre amount she would travel in public transport ( BEST Bus) to South Mumbai to meet Naushad Ali at his Khar West villa or in the studios on a regular basis, struggling to get a break in singing.
It was in the year 1942 that can be marked her beginning of acting career. During the period of 1940s – 1980s, she became the most popular and successful female playback singer.

Notable Incident
LataMangeshkar, with her melodious and emotionally appealing voice is known to have moved many esteemed gueststo tears, including then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, when she sang the iconic patriotic song “Ae Mere WatanKe Logon.”

Gem Achievements and Recognition
• She was named the Best Female Playback Singer at the Filmfare Awards in 1958, 1962, 1965, 1969, 1993, and 1994.
• In the year 1989, she received one of the biggest and much coveted DadasahebPhalke Award.
• LataMangeshkar was asked to perform at Maple Leaf Gardens by the United Way of Greater Toronto in June 1985. She performed the song “You Needed Me” on stage. Around 12,000 people attended the show.
• In 1969, she received the Padma Bhushan Award.
• Received Maharashtra Bhushan Award in the year 1997.
• She received Padma Vibhushan Award in the year 1999 and following it the NTR National Award within the same year.
• She received the ANR National Award in 2000.
• She was awarded with the Bharat Ratna in the year 2001, it is known to be the highest civilian award.

Her entire life serves as an inspiration to all who would like to take the similar journey as her, dedication, discipline and strong values is essential to achieve it all, we at Hapell salute this Queen of Melody for her achievements. We honor her and remember her in more than one way to be one of the gem of our nation.