Hailed as the ‘Nightingale of India’ Lata Mangeshkar was the most recognized and respected singer in India. With a singing career spanning over seven decades in the Hindi and Indian regional film industries where most wannabe singers fizzle off even before the decade is up, Mangeshkar became an institution in herself. Not only did she make an indelible mark on the Hindi filmdom by singing for over a thousand Hindi films, but also lent her voice to songs in over 36 regional Indian and foreign languages. Music came naturally to young Lata as she was the eldest daughter of classical singer Deenanath Mangeshkar. Her father was also a theater artist, which gave Lata and her younger siblings exposure to the big stage from an early age. The unfortunate death of her father while she was still young forced her to become her family’s breadwinner. For her achievements and immense contribution to music, Lata Mangeshkar was honored with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.