Lata Mangeshkar (1929-2022) - She is an institution for kids

Illustration/ Courtesy the RK Laxman family

She wanted female participants of Idol to be promoted: Salim Merchant

The year 2012 is when I was constantly in touch with her. Lataji and I would have long conversations because that year, I was judging Indian Idol, a show that she would keenly follow. We would discuss matters pertaining to music, and she would ask me about things relating to some contestants.

Every third day, she would call and talk about music, and share her thoughts on the show. In the Idol competition in 2012, three guys were in the lead. And while Idol wasn't defined by [one's gender], she was keen that the girls be promoted. She was responsible for being the one who changed things as a woman [in the music industry], and said it was important for us to realise that the girls must be encouraged. I told her I would try, even though it was difficult. But she urged me to request the channel to promote the girls, at her behest.

The young generation can learn about the ease with which a song should be rendered from her. Her versatility and professionalism must be celebrated. She was someone who made music her main focus; everything else was secondary. Her love for music was such that she didn't even marry. She made music her whole [life]. That dedication is a lesson she leaves for everyone.

As told to Sonia Lulla

Taught me a crucial lesson about music: Lalit Pandit

I was nervous about [working with her in] Mere khwabon mein jo aaye. We were rank newcomers and she, an icon. She knew that if we felt comfortable [in her presence], it would enhance the song. So, she would digress and discuss matters relating to our families. While singing that song, she taught me life's most valuable lesson - the most crucial factor of a song is the pronunciation. A song loses its meaning and value if you pronounce the words incorrectly. Detailing is crucial to playback singing and you have to pay utmost attention to the nuances of a song.

For the world, she may be Lata Mangeshkar but for us, she was family. She treated us like we were her children. She would pamper us and feed us with her own hands when we were kids. Her brother Hridyanathji trained my father, and that's how we bonded with her. She knew how to make you feel special. She remembered the smallest detail about you, including your likes and dislikes.

As told to Mohar Basu

Did you Know
Lata Mangeshkar's father, Dinanath Mangeshkar was a theatre artist. At five years of age, she had acted in one of her father's plays.