Legendary and iconic playback singer Lata Mangeshkar left for the heavenly abode today at the age of 92 years. Fondly called ‘Didi’, Lata ji was India’s most well-known, loved and revered singer. In a career spanning seven decades she has won several awards and bestowed with several honours. She was also given the honorific titles of the Nightingale of India and Queen of Melody. India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru called her the Nightingale of India after listening to her song Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon.
She has recorded songs in over thirty six Indian languages but mainly sung in Hindi and Marathi. Lata ji received several accolades and honours throughout her career. Here’s a list of her exemplary achievements.
Bharat Ratna – In 2001, in recognition of her contributions to the nation, she was awarded India’s highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna. She is only the second vocalist after MS Subbulakshmi to receive this honour.
Maharashtra Ratna – In 2001 she was awarded with Maharashtra Ratna from the state. She became the first recipient of the award.
Officer of the Legion of Honour- France bestowed its highest civilian award, the Officer of the Legion of Honour, in 2007. It is France’s highest order of merit, both military and civilian.
Padma Vibhushan – In 1999, Lata ji was awarded India’s second-highest civilian award.
Padma Bhushan – In 1969, the singer was awarded India’s third-highest civilian award.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award- In 1989, the Government of India awarded her the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
First Indian singer to sing at Royal Albert Hall, London - Lata Mangeshkar was the first Indian artist to perform at the famous Royal Albert Hall at London with the Wren Orchestra way back in 1974
Maharashtra Bhushan Award – Lata Mangeshkar has also been a recipient of Maharashtra’s highest civilian honour, Maharashtra Bhushan Award. She was given this award in 1997.
National Film Awards – Lata ji is the recipient of three National Film Awards. She won it for Parichay (1972), Kora Kagaz (1975) and Lekin (1990)
Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards – Lata ji won 15 Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards.
Filmfare Award – The legendary singer won four Filmfare Awards in her career for Best Female Playback singer. Besides these she was also given two Filmfare Special Awards and Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.
Honorary Doctorate -Lata ji received several PhD during her lifetime. She was given honorary doctorate degrees from Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1989, Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh, Shivaji University in Kolhapur, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (2005), Pune University, Hyderabad University, New York University and Baroda University.
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