Remembering Lata Mangeshkar: A look back at the music legend's incredible career

Lata Mangeshkar,  one of the greatest singers of India, passed away on Sunday (February 6) at the age of 92. In a career spanning over seven decades, she gave us over 30,000 songs in various languages.

From singing in 36 languages to being honoured with India's highest civilian honours- the legendary singer's achievements and records remain unmatched.

With a career-spanning of over 6 decades, Lata Mangeshkar has sung in over thirty-six regional Indian and foreign language including in Marathi, Hindi, Bengali and Assamese.

Lata Mangeshkar was listed in the Guinness Book of World Record as the most recorded artist in history, with more than 30,000 songs credited to her in multiple languages. The claim was though challenged by singer Mhd Rai. The record remains under dispute till date. Mangeshkar herself had stated later that she never kept track of the number of songs she had sung.

Lata Mangeshkar ha received 5 major international awards including the Platinum Disc of EMI London- she is the only Asian to receive the award till date-and the highest civilian award in France, the Officer of the Legion of Honour, in 2007. 

Known as the Nightingale of India, the legendary singer has also composed music for films. Mangeshkar has composed music in 5 Marathi movies- the first one was way back in1955- when she composed music for 'Ram Ram Pavhane'. For her excellent work as music director, she has been honoured with the Maharashtra State Government's Best Music Director Award for the film 'Sadhi Manase'.
 

While the world knows for her soulful voice, Lata Mangeshkar infact started her career in entertainment world as an actress at the tender age of 5. She played a role in her father's Marathi play 'Sangeet Natak'. She made her debut as an actress in a Marathi film called 'Pahili Mangalaa-gaur' in 1942. She was 13years old at that time. 

In 2012, Mangeshkar was ranked number 10 in Outlook India's poll of the Greatest Indians of all time.
 

Lata Mangeshkar has been honoured with India's 3 highest civilian awards. The Bharat Ratna(2001), the Padma Bhushan (1969), and the Padma Vibhushan (1999). In 2008, she was honoured with Lifetime Achievement award at the 60th Independence day.