Lata Mangeshkar often referred to as the ‘Nightingale of India’, has lent her voice to a number of actors on-screen for more than seven decades now. The legendary singer, who was 92 years old, has been an inspiration to millions of people across the world. Famously known as ‘Lata Didi’ in the Bollywood film industry, was born in a Marathi-speaking family in Indore to classical singer and theatre actor Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar and his wife Shevanti, a homemaker. She comes from a family of gifted musicians and singers and she has sung for more than 1,000 films in as many as 36 languages.
Many people are unaware that the singer began her career in the entertainment industry as an actor rather than a singer. Check out the list of films in which she appeared in her early career.
Pahili Mangalaagaur (1942)
In 1942, Navyug Chitrapat’s Marathi film, Pahili Mangalaagaur, offered a small role to Vinayak Damodar Karnataki aka Master Vinayak. Dada Chandekar composed the song Natali Chaitrachi Navalaai, which was also performed by the legendary singer. Vishnupant Jog and Shahu Modak also played lead roles in the film.
Chhatrapati Shivaji (1952)
Chhatrapati Shivaji was directed by Bhalji Pendharkar and starred Parshwanath Yeshwant Altekar, Chandrakant, and Gajanan Jagirdar in lead roles. C. Ramchandra composed the music for the film.
Mandir (1948)
Dinkar D. Patil and Master Vinayak direct Mandir. In addition to Shahu Modak, Shanta Apte, Salvi, and Lata Mangeshkar, the film stars Shahu Modak, Shanta Apte, Salvi, and Lata Mangeshkar in lead roles. V.S. Khandekar wrote the storey.
Maze Baal (1943)
Maze Baal, directed by Master Vinayak, stars Damuanna Malvankar, Meenaxi, Dada Salvi, and Master Vinayak himself.
Badi Maa (1945)
In Vinayak’s first Hindi-language film, Badi Maa, released in 1945, Lata Mangeshkar and her sister Asha Bhosle had minor roles. Lata also performed a bhajan in the film, Maata Tere Charnon Mein.