During his Mann ki Baat aired on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi shared a telephonic conversation he had recently with the legendary singer, Lata Mangeshkar, who turned 90 on the 28th of September. Narendra Modi had called her before leaving for the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly.
“Wish you a very happy birthday, congratulations in advance. May your health be good, your blessings be with all of us, I called you before I left for America,” the Prime Minister said. “There would hardly be anyone who does not show utmost regard for Lata Mangeshkar ji. She is elder to most of us and has been witness to different eras in the country. We address her as ‘didi,'” PM Modi added further.
The legendary singer was effusive in her praise for the Prime Minister as well. She said, “Even you don’t know what you really are. I know that the picture of India is changing with your arrival and that, that makes me very happy. It makes me feel very good.”
Narendra Modi also recounted his personal relationship with Lata Mangeshkar. He recalled how she always treated him to Gujarati delicacies whenever he had the opportunity to meet her. He mentioned how she has always inspired him has had the pleasure of receiving his letters. Lata Mangeshkar also said that she had a conversation with Narendra Modi’s mother over the phone and took her blessings.
Lata Mangeshkar has received numerous awards during the course of her stellar career including the Dada Saheb Phalke and Bharat Ratna. She is the recipient of three National Film Awards and four Filmfare Best Female Playback Singer Award, among others.