The L to R of Lata Mangeshkar

Lata was born in Sikh Mohalla, in the princely state of Indore

At five, she began working as an actress in her father's musical plays

The Mangeshkar family's last name used to be Hardikar. Lata's father, Deenanath, changed it to Mangeshkar

Asha Bhosle, Lata's sister, has been official recognised by Guinness as the most recorded artist in music history. The record was held by Lata earlier

Mohammad Rafi and Lata did net got along during their careers. According to Lata in a recent interview, they fought over royalty rights, and vowed not to work with each other. She also claimed that the matter was resolved following a written apology by Rafisaab, a statement challenged by his son Shahid Rafi

Against the backdrop of the Sino-Indian War in 1963, Mangeshkar sang the patriotic song ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo', which moved then PM Jawaharlal Nehru to tears

Naushad (music director) and Lata's combination was magical. Their association resulted in memorable songs in ‘Baiju Bawra' (1952), ‘Mughal-E-Azam' (1960), and ‘Kohinoor' (1960). ‘Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya' from ‘Mughal-E-Azam' has achieved cult status

‘Gata Rahe Mera Dil' from ‘Guide' (1965) remains among her most popular duets with Kishore Kumar

Even though she was nominated as a member of Rajya Sabha in 1999, Mangeshkar did not attend the sessions regularly, which invited of wrath of many members of the House. Lata stated ill-health as the reason for her absence

She has sung songs in over thirty-six regional Indian languages and foreign languages

Her first Hindi song was ‘Mata Ek Sapoot…' for the Marathi film, Gajaabhaau (1943)

‘Kyun Yahan Hota Hai', the song from ‘Heroine' (2012) was actually recorded for ‘Corporate' in 2006, but not used in the latter

‘Aayega Aanewaala' from Mahal (1949), which was picturised on Madhubala, was among Lata's first major hits

R D Burman and Lata made for a formidable composer-singer duo during the 1970's. Their popular works include ‘Raina Beeti Jaaye' from ‘Amar Prem' (1972), ‘Chadhti Jawaani' and ‘Kitna Pyara Wada Hain' ‘Caravan' (1971), Aaj Na Chodenge from ‘Kati Patang' (1971), and many memorable songs from ‘Aandhi' (1975)u00a0