WHEN Lata Mangeshkar passed away aged 92, a tidal wave of sadness swept across the globe in a way never seen before for an Indian music icon.
A state funeral for the legendary Indian singer was followed by two days of national mourning.
It is no surprise that so many felt a sense of indescribable loss because they formed a deep connection with her timeless songs, which became an integral part of people’s lives. Whether it was love, deep loss, a special memory, a sense of patriotic pride or something else, the songs captured important moments in time for different generations, going right back to the 1940s.
Lata Mangeshkar was born Hema Mangeshkar into a musical family on September 28, 1929.
The eldest daughter of classical singer, musician, and theatre actor Deenanath Mangeshkar and his wife Shevanti, she was quickly renamed Lata after a female character in one of her father’s plays.
The youngster started learning music from her father and began acting in his plays at the age of five. Lata had once said: “My mother was my first dedicated audience. It was with her that I realised the importance of holding the listener’s attention while singing live.”
In 1942, the family was left heartbroken when Deenanath Mangeshkar passed away from heart disease and suddenly it became the responsibility of 13-year-old Lata to support her family.
A young Lata Mangeshkar
Lata had said: “Three-four months after my father’s death, I had to start working. There was a responsibility on my shoulders to run the household. It was my duty as the eldest child in the house.”
To support her mother and four young siblings, Lata began to get work as an actress and singer in Marathi cinema. She missed out on her childhood and any kind of meaningful schooling to provide for her family. She sang the song Naachu Yaa Gade, Khelu Saari Mani Haus Bhaari for the film Kiti Hasaal (1942), but it was dropped from the final cut. Although she got sporadic work, life became a big struggle for the teenager trying to support an entire family, but she never felt disheartened and once said: “Those were fun times even when I had to go hungry for the entire day. There was no money in my purse. But there was only hope in my heart. And the belief that no matter how tough the future looked, there was always hope for a better tomorrow.”
The determined youngster knew early on she had to move to Mumbai to make it big and hone her skills. The family shifted to the city of cinematic dreams in 1945, and she started learning Hindustani classical music from Ustad Aman Ali Khan.
“There was a drive and determination in me. I was not born to lose,” she said.
In 1945, Lata, along with her younger sister Asha, got a small role in Bollywood film Badi Maa and sang the bhajan Maata Tere Charnon Mein. She slowly started to get songs in small films like Aap Ki Seva Mein (1946) and Subhadra (1946) but didn’t get noticed.
In 1947, Bollywood’s number one singer and Lata’s big inspiration, Noor Jehan, left for Pakistan during Partition, which left a huge void in Hindi cinema. The first big name to spot the hopeful younger singer’s talent was established music director Ghulam Haider, who believed in her when no one else did. When he was told Lata’s voice wouldn’t suit the heroine in Shaheed (1948), he gave her songs in Majboor (1948). The success of that film led other major composers like Anil Biswas, Khemchand Prakash and Naushad to signing her, which finally kickstarted her career. A born perfectionist, she took lessons in Hindi and Urdu diction to perfect her singing.
In 1949, Lata found huge success in super hit films Andaz and Barsaat. In the same year, Lata rose to the very top with record-breaking song Aayega Aanewaala, which was picturised on Madhubala in hit film Mahal. The biggest hit of 1949 not only turned Lata into a huge star but showed movie producers how lucrative sales of film music could be. She never forgot how that song impacted her life and said: “One song that truly changed my career was Aayega Aanewaala in Mahal. It was after this song that people came to know that a new girl called Lata Mangeshkar has come to sing.”
with Asha Bhosle
That big success was accompanied by huge heartbreak, when her 16-year-old younger sister Asha eloped with Lata’s personal secretary, 31-year-old Ganpatrao Bhosle. Even though the marriage turned out to be abusive and the now Asha Bhosle became a struggling single mother, that rift would take many decades to heal between the two sisters. They would later become India’s greatest two singers and fierce rivals.
Lata dominated the 1950s, singing for every major music director and leading lady in Hindi cinema. She would deliver unforgettable songs in all-time classics like Deedar (1951), Baiju Bawra (1952), Anarkali (1953), Amar (1954), Shree 420 (1955), Devdas (1955), Chori Chori (1956), India’s first Oscar nominated film Mother India (1957) and so many more. She used her position to battle the male patriarchy and fight for the rights of singers. Lata persuaded the newly launched Filmfare Awards to finally add a category for Best Singer and won the first one in 1959 for Madhumati (1958) song Aaja Re Pardesi. Lata would be nominated every year and in 1970 took the unprecedented step of telling Filmfare to no longer consider her for an award so younger singers could get a chance.
Lata started off the 1960s by singing songs for record-breaking film Mughal-e-Azam (1960), including all-time classic Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya. She swept through the 1960s with unforgettable Bollywood classics like Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh from Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960), Ehsaan Tera Hoga from Junglee (1961), Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha from Anpadh (1962), Lag Jaa Gale from Woh Kaun Thi (1964), Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai from Guide (1965) and Hothon Pe Aisi Baat from Jewel Thief (1967).
with Jawaharlal Nehru
In 1963, she sang the patriotic song Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon to the backdrop of the Sino-Indian war in the presence of Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and brought him to tears. She campaigned for royalties but didn’t get the backing of other singers and even survived a murder attempt when someone tried to slowly poison her. By now her biggest rival was Asha Bhosle, who was singing the more contemporary western inspired songs.
Despite competition from her younger sister, Lata continued to rule Bollywood in the decades that followed and carried on delivering an incredible number of hits, which remain popular today. These include Chalte Chalte from Pakeezah (1972), Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Band Ho from Bobby (1973), Satyam Shivam Sundaram title track (1978), Yeh Kahaan Aa Gaye Hum from Silsila (1981), Nindya Se Jaagi Bahaar from Hero (1983), Mere Haathon Mein from Chandni (1989), Tujhe Dekha To from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and countless more.
Lata took Indian film music global on the live circuit and was the first Bollywood singer to perform at Royal Albert Hall in 1974. She regularly released non-film albums, including religious ones, which inspired others to do the same.
She sang for regional language films and was always willing to raise money for charity through live performances.
Even though she was the greatest, the humble singer released the 1994 album Shraddanjali – My Tribute to the Immortals, which paid tributes to other icons. She received many prestigious awards including government honours Padma Bhushan (1969), Padma Vibhushan (1999), and Bharat Ratna (2001), along with Indian cinema’s highest accolade Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1989.
She would win National Awards for her songs in Parichay (1972), Kora Kagaz (1974) and Lekin (1990). Her many other honours ranged from doctorates to lifetime achievement awards, including a unique one from her government in 2008 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of India’s independence.
Although she slowed down at the turn of the millennium and turned down record-breaking amounts of money to tour, Lata devoted time to others and opened a hospital named after her father. All of today’s popular singers, including current Bollywood queen Shreya Ghoshal, regularly praised Lata and cited her as their greatest influence.
Lata devoted her life to music and never married, and led a fulfilled and happy life. She loved listening to music, watching movies, cooking, cars, and cricket. Perhaps her biggest passion was helping others, and this could be traced to her childhood: “My parents taught me to always help the needy. We saw very hard days. In our home there were free meals for every guest. But when we fell on hard times there was no food for the family. There were days when my siblings and I didn’t eat the entire day. I learnt to share what I had with others. Believe me, the joy you feel in giving is much greater than the joy one feels in receiving.”
Her last major recording was the song Saugandh Mujhe Is Mitti Ki in 2019, which was a tribute to the Indian army and her country.
On January 8, 2022, she tested positive for Covid-19 with mild symptoms and was admitted to hospital. After a valiant battle, her health deteriorated, and India's nightingale passed away on February 6. Tributes poured in from all over the world for a singer who will never be forgotten and hold a permanent place in people’s hearts.
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi perhaps summed it up best with the sentiments, “I am anguished beyond words. The kind and caring Lata Didi has left us. She leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled. The coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture, whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people.”
Inspired by a love of Bollywood films and vibrant Punjabi music, Cherelena creates tracks that fuse diverse influences. With multiple singles and an album already to her name, the multilingual singer-songwriter from Holland recently added to her musical journey with the release of Cocaine.
Eastern Eye asked the exciting talent to share 10 songs she loves – and why they mean so much to her.
Ek Baar Dekh Liye by Kalpana Gandharva: Composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the Netflix series Heeramandi, this song is beautifully sung. The heartfelt lyrics portray a woman surrendering completely to the unknown, embracing what life brings. She follows her heart with unwavering trust – a sentiment that is so profound and relatable.
Pardesi by Cherelena ft Apache Indian: One of the most cherished moments of my life was creating my own song with Apache Indian. It felt like a dream come true to collaborate with such a legendary artist. The track is about a wife longing for her husband’s return, expressing how incomplete and unmotivated she feels without him.
Bewafa by Imran Khan: This powerful song touches on the complexities of relationships – the arguments, the fear of betrayal. Sometimes, even without infidelity, the fear of the truth surfacing can lead you to say things you do not mean. It reflects the emotions and vulnerabilities that come with navigating trust, love and heartache.
Jhoomo Re by Kailash Kher: This deeply moving song carries a profound and uplifting message. It beautifully conveys that, at the core, everything is one energy – and that the divine you worship ultimately resides within yourself. It serves as a gentle reminder to treat the world with kindness and compassion, and to never break anyone’s heart.
Untouchable by Tegi Pannu: This track’s vibe and flow are incredible. It is not about the lyrics – it is about the energy, rhythm and the way it makes you feel. A perfect example of how music transcends language. You do not need to understand the words to connect with it – you either feel it, or you do not. And I definitely feel it.
Gallan Goodiyan from Dil Dhadakne Do: I have loved dancing since I was two years old. Although I stay active through sports, dancing is what truly excites me – it is my happy place. Songs like this make me feel as though I am stepping into a vibrant Bollywood scene, filling my life with energy and joy.
Cocaine by Cherelena ft Raja: This hauntingly beautiful song about love and loss captures the heartbreaking journey of a couple deeply in love but torn apart by addiction. He is consumed by his dependence on cocaine, while she is trapped in an endless struggle to save him. Based on a true story, the song delivers a powerful message: do not let drugs take control – they destroy far more than you realise.
Yeh Dil Tum Bin Kahin Lagta Nahin from Izzat: This timeless Bollywood song, sung by legends Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi, continues to inspire me. I still take singing lessons and dedicate time to improving my craft. When it comes to mastering vocal technique, Lata didi’s songs are an unmatched treasure trove. Her signature sweetness, flawless delivery and artistry set a benchmark that is almost impossible to reach.
Bewajah Mein Dil Tera Toda by Cherelena: I wrote this song from a deeply personal place, during a time when my heart had been broken more than once. I felt a part of me was fading, and turned to songwriting as a way to process those emotions. This track reflects the journey of understanding who I became during those painful moments – and why.
Flow With Me by Cherelena: I wrote this song during a time when I was perfectly in sync with someone, and everything just clicked. I wanted to hold on to that feeling – to stay in the flow without overthinking or complicating it, knowing that sometimes taking things further can bring its own set of challenges.
Justin Bieber has addressed the growing chatter online that he may have been a victim of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The rumours, which picked up steam as Diddy faces serious sex trafficking charges in New York, were put to rest by a statement from Bieber’s camp.
A spokesperson for Bieber clarified: “Justin was not a victim. Others were hurt, and it’s important we stay focused on them.” The message came after old clips of a young Bieber with Combs began circulating again, prompting questions about the nature of their relationship when Bieber was a teenager.
Bieber’s team issues statement denying abuse and backing real victimsGetty Images
The resurfaced videos include moments from around 2009 and 2011, when Bieber was still new to the industry. In one, Diddy promised Bieber a luxury car when he turned 16. In another, he vaguely mentioned spending 48 hours together without revealing what they were doing, language that some online found troubling. However, sources close to Bieber insist these moments were part of a PR act and that he never experienced any inappropriate behaviour from Combs.
Bieber was known to be friendly with Diddy’s sons, Quincy and Justin Combs, and crossed paths with the rapper at public events during the early years of his career. But insiders stress there was no private relationship beyond that.
Fans revisit troubling footage of Bieber and Diddy from 2009 amid the case Getty Images
The speculation around Bieber came amid explosive testimony in court from Diddy’s former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, who accused him of rape, abuse, and coercing her into sex acts with others during drug-fuelled parties known as “freak offs.” The prosecution alleges Combs used fame and fear to manipulate women over a 20-year span. He has pleaded not guilty and denies all claims.
While some fans had pointed to Bieber’s recent emotional social media activity as cause for concern, those close to him say it is unrelated to Combs. They describe Bieber as focused on his family and well-being, and urge that attention remain on the ongoing trial and those directly affected.
Diddy faces mounting allegations as old clips with Bieber draw backlashGetty Images
For now, Bieber has made it clear: whatever his past association with Diddy, he was not among the victims. His statement can be taken as both a clear denial and a reminder to centre the conversation on the people who truly suffered.
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Disability campaigners from 'Dignity in Dying' hold placards as they demonstrate outside The Palace of Westminster during a gathering in favour of the proposals to legalise assisted suicide in the UK. (Photo: Getty Images)
A PROPOSED law that would allow assisted dying for terminally ill people will return to parliament on Friday, with lawmakers set to debate a series of changes before a final vote on whether the bill should proceed.
In November, lawmakers voted 330 to 275 in favour of allowing assisted dying. If passed, the legislation would make Britain one of several countries including Australia, Canada, and some US states to permit assisted dying.
The bill allows mentally competent adults in England and Wales, who have six months or less to live, to end their lives with medical assistance. It has already been revised following detailed scrutiny.
A final vote on the updated bill will take place after Friday’s debate. The large number of proposed amendments means the session may continue next month.
Supporters of the bill point to opinion polls showing most Britons favour assisted dying and say the law should reflect public opinion. However, some lawmakers have raised concerns about protections for vulnerable people. Others argue that palliative care should be improved first.
The Telegraph and Guardian reported that some lawmakers who previously supported the bill are now reconsidering their position.
Prime minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government is neutral on the issue. Lawmakers are free to vote based on their personal views rather than party lines.
A key change from the original version of the bill is the removal of the requirement for court approval. Instead, a panel including a senior legal figure, a psychiatrist and a social worker would decide whether a person is terminally ill and capable of making the decision.
Any further changes to the bill will need to be approved through separate votes. If Friday’s debate runs out of time, the discussion could continue on June 13, before the final vote.
If passed, the bill will move to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.
In 2015, lawmakers rejected similar legislation by 330 votes to 118.
The current bill does not apply to Northern Ireland or Scotland. On Tuesday, the Scottish parliament voted in favour of a similar proposal, which will now move forward for further consideration.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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India's defence minister Rajnath Singh said, 'I believe a big portion of the $1 billion coming from IMF will be used for funding terror infrastructure.' (Photo: Reuters)
INDIA's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should reconsider its decision to approve a $1 billion loan to Pakistan, alleging that Islamabad was using the funds to support terrorism.
"I believe a big portion of the $1 billion coming from IMF will be used for funding terror infrastructure," Singh told troops at an air force base in western India. "I believe any economic assistance to Pakistan is nothing less than funding terror."
India and Pakistan had engaged in missile, drone and artillery strikes last week before a ceasefire began on Saturday.
The IMF last week approved a review of its loan programme for Pakistan, unlocking about $1 billion and approving a further $1.4 billion bailout. India objected to the decision but abstained from the review vote.
India, which represents Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on the IMF board, said in a finance ministry statement that it had "concerns over the efficacy of IMF programmes in case of Pakistan given its poor track record".
Pakistan was on the verge of default in 2023 amid a political crisis and economic downturn. The IMF extended a $7 billion bailout to Pakistan last year, its 24th such assistance since 1958.
Singh said, "It is now clear that in Pakistan terrorism and their government are hand in glove with each other.
"In this situation there is a possibility that their nuclear weapons could get their way into the hands of terrorists. This is a danger not just for Pakistan but the entire world."
The recent fighting between India and Pakistan began on May 7, when India launched strikes on what it called "terrorist camps" in Pakistan. The strikes followed an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people.
India blamed Pakistan for supporting the terrorists it said were responsible for the attack. Pakistan has denied the charge.
The four-day exchange of missiles, drones and artillery killed around 70 people on both sides, including dozens of civilians.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Koolesh Shah, Reena Ranger OBE, Ameet Jogia and Sir Oliver Dowden
SIR OLIVER DOWDEN MP and businessman Koolesh Shah have been appointed co-chairs of the Conservative Friends of India (CF India), following the resignation of Ameet Jogia MBE and Reena Ranger OBE, who had led the organisation since 2019.
Jogia and Ranger stepped down after a five-year term that saw CF India grow into the Conservative party’s largest affiliate group, a statement said. The group was founded by Lord Dolar Popat with prime minister David Cameron in 2012.
Appointed by then-prime minister Boris Johnson, their leadership coincided with two general elections, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the appointment of Britain’s first prime minister of Indian origin, Rishi Sunak.
Sir Oliver is a senior Tory MP who has held several ministerial roles, including deputy prime minister and secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport. Shah, founder of the London Town Group, is active in philanthropy and community work, particularly in education and social mobility. Sir Oliver and Shah said, “It is a privilege to take on this responsibility and build on the outstanding work of Ameet and Reena. CF India plays a vital role in ensuring that the voice of the British Indian community is heard, valued, and represented in the political mainstream, especially during this highly sensitive time. We are committed to deepening that engagement, supporting the next generation of leaders, and continuing to celebrate the values we share – from entrepreneurship to public service, and from community cohesion to our enduring ties with India.”
Under the outgoing co-chairs, CF India said it significantly strengthened the party’s engagement with British Indian communities. According to the statement, the group played a key role in the 2024 general election, contributing to the Tory victory in Leicester East, where the party’s vote share rose from 11 per cent in 2001 to 49 per cent.
Jogia and Ranger also oversaw the development of outreach, training, and fundraising initiatives. They credited CF India’s director, Nayaz Qazi, and grassroots supporters for their contributions to the group’s progress.
In their farewell statement, Jogia and Ranger said, “We leave with immense pride, having brought vibrancy, energy, and renewed purpose to an organisation that has been integral to our political journeys from the start. We will always support CF India and its new leadership.”