MEMORIES flash by. As a young, inexperienced journalist, I was a nervous wreck when first asked to interview Lata Mangeshkar and cover her concert. This was in Jaipur 35 years ago, and since she wasn’t giving a press conference, one tried to approach her at Govindji Ka Mandir, making sure her prayer wouldn’t be disturbed. The interview never happened, though she nodded her head and smiled when asked a random question. That gesture was worth a pot of gold, and writing about the concert was the silver lining. Even today, her rendition of ‘Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna’ from 'Guide' and ‘Yeh Zindagi Usi Ki Hai’ from 'Anarkali' stay behind.

An era is over. Numerous incidents come to mind, as one remembers the huge impact she had on millions of fans. Every admirer has his or her own Lata Mangeshkar story, which they can narrate down the generations. It could be about watching Nutan or Nargis on the big screen, syncing her flawless voice. It could be of Ameen Sayani introducing her songs on Radio Ceylon. It could be of humming ‘Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua’ for an early crush, ‘Chand Phir Nikla’ on a lonely night, or ‘Maine Kaha Phoolon Se’ in a happy mood. It could be of listening to ‘Mogara Phulala’ in Marathi or ‘Pa Ma Ga Re Sa’ in Bengali. It could be of a live performance, with Anil Mohile conducting the orchestra. You heard her ‘Vande Mataram’ on Independence Day, and ‘Ae Maalik Tere Bande Hum’ in school prayers. Antakshris, weddings, festivals, pujas, train journeys, sad moments, fans knew a Lata song for every occasion.