Shreya Ghoshal’s emotional tribute to Lata Mangeshkar on Indian Idol: ‘I too consider you my idol’

On the death anniversary of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, the singing reality show Indian Idol paid a heartfelt tribute to the Nightingale of India. The episode celebrated her legacy, her music, and the deep emotional bond she shared with generations of singers.

What Shreya Ghoshal said

Judge Shreya Ghoshal honoured Lata Mangeshkar by singing “Yeh Sama Hai Pyaar Ka” from Jab Jab Phool Khile. She also recalled her first meeting with the legendary singer.

“Dear Lata Didi, like every singer, I too consider you my idol. Once it so happened that I was recording somewhere, and Lata Didi also came to the same studio to record. As soon as I found out, I was so nervous that I completely lost my focus. The recordist then told me, ‘Let’s do the recording tomorrow. Go and meet Didi today.’

“I ran to Lata Didi, wanting to say so much, but before I could speak, she said, ‘Shreya, I have heard your songs. You sing very well.’ So my first meeting with her wasn’t really a meeting—it was a darshan of Lata Didi for me,” Shreya said, leaving everyone emotional.

What other singers said

Several members of the music fraternity also remembered Lata Mangeshkar on social media. Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar shared a nostalgic post, writing, “Remembering iconic Bharat Ratna Lata Didi on her Punyatithi. Her ethereal songs, melodious voice and unrivalled spirit will remain etched in my heart forever. I dearly miss her presence, but I am consoled by the fact that her divine soul is immortal.”

Singer Kumar Sanu also paid tribute, saying, “Some voices don’t just sing; they become a part of our existence. Lata Didi’s sur carried emotion, grace, devotion and timeless purity. Her voice didn’t belong to one era—it belonged to generations. On her death anniversary, I bow in gratitude to the Nightingale of India. Your music will forever guide, heal and inspire us.”

Remembering Lata Mangeshkar

Lata Mangeshkar sang in more than 36 languages and dominated Hindi, Marathi and Bengali music. She was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the Bharat Ratna and multiple National Film Awards. Her name once featured in the Guinness World Records as the most recorded artist in history. She passed away on February 6, 2022, at the age of 92 after battling pneumonia and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Shreya Ghoshal and awards

Shreya Ghoshal’s musical journey has been deeply inspired by Lata Mangeshkar. Her debut songs, ‘Bairi Piya’ and ‘Dola Re Dola’, earned her a National Film Award. She later won more National Awards for songs such as ‘Dheere Jalna’, ‘Yeh Ishq Haaye’, ‘Pherari Mon’, ‘Jeev Rangla’ and ‘Maayava Thooyava’.


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