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Lata Mangeshkar & Raj Singh: A Love Story Unscripted
5 Oct
Summary
- Lata Mangeshkar and Raj Singh shared a bond for decades.
- Their relationship remained private due to different backgrounds.
- Neither ever married, but their affection endured.
Singer Lata Mangeshkar maintained a lifelong private personal life, with one notable exception: her decades-long association with Raj Singh Dungarpur. The Rajasthan royal, cricketer, and former BCCI president shared a close bond with Mangeshkar that began in 1959.
Their unique relationship, often described as an unfulfilled love story, was characterized by mutual respect and affection, even without marriage. Dungarpur recounted their first meeting in 1959 while studying law in Bombay, leading to a series of dinners and recordings.
Dungarpur became a regular presence in Mangeshkar's life, accompanying her on tours and assisting with professional matters. Both were reportedly uncomfortable with public discussion of their companionship.
Reasons for their unmarried status included differing backgrounds and strong family attachments, as Dungarpur alluded to in a 1960s context. Mangeshkar, who began working at 13 to support her family, stated marriage simply did not occur to her.
Raj Singh Dungarpur, who remained unmarried, passed away in September 2009 at age 73. Lata Mangeshkar continued her illustrious career for over a decade after his death, ultimately passing away in February 2022 at 92.
Their story remains a testament to a deep, lasting connection that transcended societal norms and the conventional milestones of marriage. As Mangeshkar once said, "There are some things only for the heart to know."