The Bharat Ratna (India's Highest Civilian Award), Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Dada Saheb Phalke Award, Maharashtra Bhushan Award, NTR National Award, Bharat Ratna, ANR National Award (2009), three National Film Awards, and 12 Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards and also Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. There is no such awards that she did not receive from the country. She has a awards instituted in her honour as well.
Yes, we are talking about the singer who got her name in the Guinness Book of World Records for recording the most number of songs, Lata Mangeshkar, and today she turns 83.
Lataji has been in the industry since 1942 and has been the voice of several popular actors from Madhubala and Meena Kumari to the latest Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Preity Zinta.
Ajeeb Dastaan Hain Ye, Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, Aaj Phir Jeene Ki, Gaata Rahein, Mere Khwabon Mein to the songs of Veer- Zaara; the number counts to more than 20 thousand according to the Guinness Book. With not just Hindi songs in her list, she has also sung in several other languages as well.
She has also sung several Ghazals and Marathi folk songs apart from movies. Her golden voice for the song Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo still brings tears in our eyes.
Apart from being a singer, Lataji has also composed songs in Hindi and Marathi.
Lataji's residence in Mumbai, Prabhu Kunj, is looked upon as a temple by aspiring singers as well as other Mumbaikars. People bow down before the house when they pass the house.
Today, having a small glance at her is considered a great blessing for people.
Let us wish the all time Suron Ki Rani, Lata Mangeshkar, Very Happy Birthday!!!