"The book (Didi Aur Main) is my gift to Didi on her 90th birthday"
Lata Mangeshkar will release the Hindi translation of sister Meena Mangeshkar-Khadikar’s penned memoirs on September 29, 2019.
The renowned singer and Bharat Ratna recipient will release the book titled Didi Aur Main a day after her 90th birthday on September 28. This celebratory event will take place at her Mumbai residence.
The memoirs are a translation of Meena Mangeshkar-Khadikar’s Marathi book, Mothi Tichi Saavli (2018).
Moreover, acclaimed actor Amitabh Bachchan has written the foreword of the book. Also, writer-journalist Ambarish Mishra receives credit for the Hindi translation while Parchure Prakashan Mandir has published the book.
Notably, the book travels across her journey from Lata didi’s struggles to rampant success.
A True Tale
After her father’s death, responsibilities fell to Lata as she was the eldest child of five. Her siblings include Meena Mangeshkar-Khadikar, Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeshkar and Hridaynath Mangeshkar.
The book includes first-hand information and tales of Lata Mangeshkar’s 70-year-long singing voyage. From her battle of finding a position in the industry to becoming the Nightingale of India.
In particular, Lata didi’s first hit song was Ayega Anewala from the film, Mahal (1949). Her career took off as she started to work with many music directors and singers.
As a result of her collaborations with male singers, namely Kishore Kumar, timeless duets were created.
Songs such as Kora Kagaz from Aradhana (1969), Tere Mere Milan Ki from Abhimaan (1973), Aap Ki Ankhon Me Kuch from Ghar (1978) and so on.
Therefore, because of her success, it is no wonder that she has won many awards and honours.
She won the Filmfare Award six times (1958, 1962, 1965, 1969, 1993, 1994). Also, she was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994.
Sister Act
Furthermore, Meena Mangeshkar, a skilful singer herself, explains:
“The book (Didi Aur Main) is my gift to Didi on her 90th birthday. I have tried my best to coalesce into this book the bittersweet memories of the Mangeshkar family.”
The book encircles a feel of the golden era of the Hindi film industry. As well as rare and direct pictures of the Mangeshkar family which enhances the life of the book.
Meenatai joined Lata didi during her concerts in India and across the globe. As well as having sung for various Hindi and Marathi films, such as Farmaish (1953).
In 1973, she composed a Marathi song, Asawa Sunder Chocolatecha Bangle, which became a popular children’s song. It was later recorded in Bengali and Gujarati.
In addition to her most famous songs Bavarle Mi Bavarle, Phagun Aaya, Hai Mausam Yeh Mastaana Muskuraana Dil Churaana and Ye Javali Ghe Priyasakhaya to name a few. Her career expanded from 1953 to 2011.
Moreover, Lata didi will proudly present the book as it is set to expand its appeal to many more readers.