The relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and my sister Lata Mangeshkar went beyond just mutual admiration. Spanning over 40 years, it was built on deep respect, a shared love for our country, and a bond that felt like family.
This special connection was evident to all of us, including my sisters Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeshkar, and others in the family. Their brother-sister-like bond was marked by genuine concern and affection, extending beyond professional ties. She affectionately called him Narendra bhai, regularly sent a rakhi to him, and he always responded with a phone call or letter.
Narendra Modi always addressed my sister as “Didi”. She often reminded him, “Our mother was Gujarati,” and whenever he visited, she served him Gujarati dishes. They discussed many topics, including cricket and food.
I remember, in September 2019, on Lata Didi’s 90th birthday, PM Modi was on an official tour in the US. Before boarding his flight, he took the time to call and wish her. When Didi answered, she greeted him respectfully, saying “Pranaam, Modi ji” and thanked him for his birthday blessings. PM Modi instantly responded, “Didi, you are older than me. I should be seeking your blessings.” Lata didi replied, “A person’s greatness is reflected in his actions.”
They both became emotional during this call, and PM Modi praised her lifelong dedication to music. It was even more heartening that he extended his wishes to Didi in his Mann Ki Baat address that month and broadcasted the audio of their phone call, touching the hearts of millions.
Lata Didi’s immense love for the country deeply connected her with Modi. He often expressed how much he cherished her iconic song, Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon, which held a special place in his heart.
As a big fan of Lata didi’s songs, PM Modi, while serving as chief minister of Gujarat, awarded the prestigious Tana Riri to her and Usha Mangeshkar. In 2010, the award ceremony was held in his hometown of Vadnagar. Although Lata Didi couldn’t attend due to health reasons, Usha Mangeshkar was present.
When he was the chief minister of Gujarat, Didi had knee health issues. Upon learning this, he sent expert doctors from Gujarat to examine her.
A few years ago, she was touched by photos and videos of PM Modi’s mother and felt a strong desire to meet her. Although she couldn’t visit herself due to her age, she sent someone to seek blessings from Hiraba on her behalf. During that birthday call, PM Modi mentioned that his mother was delighted to learn Lata Didi had sent someone, and she hoped their bond would remain strong.
In 2013, Didi invited the then Gujarat CM to inaugurate the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. It wasn’t welcomed by many. But Didi was always sure of what she did and even declared from the stage that India needed Narendra Modi as its leader, which later came true, making her very happy.
On Lata Didi’s passing, PM Modi, despite his busy schedule, came to Mumbai to pay his last respects. He spent time with the family and consoled everyone. We sought his guidance for immersing Didi’s ashes in Kashi, and he helped us immensely.
Lata Didi was a great devotee of Bhagwan Ram, and our family always wished for something in Ayodhya to honour her memory. PM Modi decided to create a Lata Mangeshkar Chowk in Ayodhya, with a befitting memorial. He personally oversaw the project, ensuring it was perfect, including 92 lotuses around her veena, symbolising her age at the time of her passing. The monument also plays Didi’s rendition of the Ram dhun, honouring her devotion to Bhagwan Ram and her musical legacy.
The first Lata Mangeshkar Award was bestowed on PM Modi. Again, despite his busy schedule, he made time to attend and pay respects to Didi’s legacy. After the event, he asked Lata Didi’s nephew, Adinath Mangeshkar, about his wife Krishna. Learning she was seated behind them, he reached out to offer condolences for her brother who had passed away recently. Lata Didi had once mentioned this to him and he remembered. Such is his affection towards our family.
Lata Didi would always express her pride in his achievements as Prime Minister and the positive changes he was making in the country. Didi always said, “My brother Modi will lead the country forward” and he has done so over the past decade. Today, as our nation makes remarkable progress under PM Modi’s leadership, aspiring to be a world leader and developed nation, Lata Didi would have been the happiest.
Though two years have passed since Didi left us, his affection and respect for our family remain unchanged. Whenever we speak with him, he shares how much he misses her. This abiding respect from Prime Minister Modi is the greatest honour to Lata Mangeshkar’s legacy.
The writer is a prominent music composer and brother of late Lata Mangeshkar
