Lata Mangeshkar: "I'd rather not be born again"

Lata Mangeshkar, an iconic figure in Indian cinema, continues to resonate with listeners decades into her career. On what would have been her 97th birthday on September 28, 2026, an old interview revealed her candid thoughts on rebirth.

During the interview, Mangeshkar shared that she would prefer not to be born again. If rebirth were to occur, she explicitly stated she would not want to be Lata Mangeshkar, acknowledging the personal hardships she endured. She humorously added that she would prefer to be born into a humble family and as a male.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the revered singer on her birth anniversary, September 28. He lauded her significant contributions to Indian music and her role in showcasing the nation's musical heritage internationally. Modi expressed his humble respects to Lata Didi for her divine talent that brought glory to India worldwide.