Lata Mangeshkar

“I've always loved life, irrespective of all the ups and downs that have filled my journey.”

“The privileged classes today are bothered about petrol and diesel prices while the poor can't afford two meals a day. I am a very small person, but I want us to think beyond personal and regional interests.”

“One has to be fully committed to one's career. Otherwise, there's no point.”

“There are so many songs that I could not sing the way I wanted to. When such songs come on television or radio, I shut them off or leave the room.”

“I have been singing for the last 50 years, you know, so I deserve a break. Besides, there are talented singers around who can do justice to their work.”

“Today, the scope for variety has shrunk drastically. There are only a handful of topnotch composers like A. R. Rahman, Anu Malik, Jatin-Lalit... that's it.”

“For me, awards are a token of respect that people are giving me. So no matter how many awards I am receiving, I always feel emotional.”

“As a singer, you have to bring the soul to the song.”

“Nowadays, there are seven music directors in one film. I had never heard of such a thing before. If one of our old music directors was told to share a score with others, he would have left the assignment.”

“I really liked Kishore Kumar. He had a virile man's voice, and he was truly versatile.”

“I missed out on my childhood. I had to work hard, but I was immediately given a place in playback.”

“I have decided that I won't take up assignments that don't interest me.”

“I have a fierce temper. I've mastered it over the years, but when I'm angry, no one can force me to do anything I don't want to.”

“I feel God has sent me to Earth to sing. I started singing when I was five, but I don't think I've worked as hard as many other people.”

“I believe in one power, and that is the hand of God. I respect all religions.”

“I appreciate the change associated with people's growth, but I don't like the changes in our lives. I came to Mumbai in 1945, so imagine my acceptance of the massive changes around. I have witnessed every kind of revolution.”

“I wouldn't let a biopic be made on me. That's because I don't believe in them. I don't like them.”

“My father passed away in 1942, and three-four months after his death, I had to start working. There was a responsibility on my shoulders to run the household. It was my duty as the eldest child in the house.”

“In my opinion, the biggest achievement was by Shankar-Jaikishan. With Raj Kapoor's 'Barsaat,' they changed the way we looked at playback singing.”

“I think playback singing has a lot to do with voice acting. I would suggest to all the youngsters to understand the character, situation, and the story behind the songs. That is when you can add soul to the rendition which, I think, is missing in today's music.”