Lata Mangeshkar Birth Anniversary: Which Was Lata Mangeshkar’s Last Song – ‘Gayatri Mantra’ or ‘Saugandh Mujhe Is Mitti Ki’?
As we remember Lata Mangeshkar on her birth anniversary on September 28, 2026, discover the legendary Indian playback singer's illustrious career, from her debut to her final recorded songs like 'Saugandh Mujhe Is Mitti Ki' and the 'Gayatri Mantra'. Revisit her timeless melodies and her numerous national and international awards, including the Bharat Ratna.
Born on September 28, 1929, the iconic Indian playback singer Lata Mangeshkar, lovingly known as the 'Nightingale of India,' would have celebrated her 97th birthday today. Her illustrious career, spanning over eight decades, left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry, earning her titles like 'Queen of Melody' and 'Voice of the Millennium'. Even after her passing on February 6, 2022, her voice continues to resonate, reminding us of a legacy built on countless unforgettable melodies. Let's take a look at her musical journey, and her last two songs. Lata Mangeshkar: List of 21 Most Melodious Hindi Songs of Iconic Playback Singer, With Music Info and Videos (Watch).
Lata Mangeshkar's Musical Journey
Lata Mangeshkar's musical journey began early in life. At just 13, following the passing of her father, classical singer Deenanath Mangeshkar, she stepped up to support her family. Her first recorded song, "Naachu Yaa Gade, Khelu Saari Mani Haus Bhaari" for the Marathi film Kiti Hasaal (1942), was unfortunately dropped from the final cut. However, her talent could not be contained. She soon sang her first released Hindi song, "Paa Lagoon Kar Jori," for the film Aap Ki Seva Mein (1946). A significant turning point came with the song "Dil Mera Toda, Mujhe Kahin Ka Na Chhora" for the film Majboor (1948), which established her as a prominent voice in Bollywood.
Lata Mangeshkar Song ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo’ (Original Non-Film Recording, 1963) – Watch Video:
Throughout her career, Lata Mangeshkar lent her voice to songs in over 2,000 Indian films in more than 36 Indian languages. Her discography boasts an extraordinary array of hits, from the patriotic "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo" (1963) that famously moved Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to tears, to romantic classics like "Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya" from K Asif's Mughal-e-Azam (1960) and "Lag Ja Gale" from Woh Kaun Thi (1964).
‘Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya’ (Film: ‘Mughal-e-Azam’, 1960) – Watch Color Version Video:
Lata Mangeshkar's Last Song and Last Recorded Song
While Lata Mangeshkar largely stepped away from regular film playback singing in her later years, her voice remained active for special projects. Her truly last recorded public performances include devotional and patriotic tributes. In December 2018, she recorded the "Gayatri Mantra" along with a congratulatory message for the wedding of Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal. This sacred chant, delivered with her characteristic perfection, was played during the couple's wedding ceremony. This version is different from the earlier "Gayatri Mantra" she is said to have sung for the All World Gayatri Pariwar Shantikunj Haridwar. Listen to it here.
Lata Mangeshkar's 'Gayatri Mantra' and Special Message for Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal at Their Wedding - Listen to Audio:
Lata Mangeshkar's Last Recorded Song Under Her Banner
Subsequently, in a poignant tribute to the Indian Army jawans and the nation, Lata Mangeshkar recorded a song "Saugandh Mujhe Is Mitti Ki." This song, composed by Mayuresh Pai, was released on March 30, 2019. The song premiered on YouTube under the legendary singer's record label, LM MUSIC (Lata Mangeshkar Music). It is widely regarded as her last major recorded song.
Lata Mangeshkar Song 'Saugandh Mujhe Is Mitti Ki' - Listen:
Lata Mangeshkar's Final Recorded Voice Message
Lata Mangeshkar's final recorded message was a verse from the holy Bhagavad Gita, recited for an Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Committee meeting on December 22, 2021. Her last three recordings stand as a testament to Lata Mangeshkar's lifelong dedication to Indian music and her country.
Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar - National and International Awards
Lata Mangeshkar's unparalleled talent was recognised with numerous awards and honors throughout her lifetime. She was bestowed with India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 2001. Other prestigious awards include the Padma Vibhushan (1999), Padma Bhushan (1969), and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1989). Internationally, France honored her with the Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour in 2007. For a period, she held the Guinness World Record for the most recorded artiste in history. Lata Mangeshkar, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Included in Rolling Stone's '200 Greatest Singers of All Time' - See Full List.
The legacy of Lata Mangeshkar is not merely in the number of songs she sang or the awards she received, but in the emotional depth and purity she brought to every note. Her birth anniversary is a moment to celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring voice of a true legend, whose melodies continue to enrich generations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2026 02:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
