My reaction to my first meeting with the legend that is Lata Mangeshkar ufffd in the company of my sister-in-law, the gifted and iconic singer Alka Yagnik ufffd was rather predictable

Happy Birthday Lataji

We were sitting in her living room, she sat there surrounded by family and friends. Dressed in her trademark simple cream-coloured saaree, her hair in a long plait, which hung down her back, pretty anklets on her feet, she was looking elegant and classy. Her manneru00a0 as she interacted with everyone was natural and unaffected.

I plucked up the courage to ask her if she remembered all the songs she sung, she smiled, shook her head almostu00a0 apologetically, and said, "No, not at all." I looked around. The room in which we sat was simple and unpretentious, expressing, in my opinion, her own personality.

Here is a lady, whose natural colossal talent and style actually defines, without any argument, playback singing in Indian cinema. From the very moment people heard her voice in Aayega Aanewala ('Mahal', 1949), its magic took over, and is still holding the listener spellbound, so to speak.

Yet, Lata Mangeshkar, the individual, whom I had the honour to meet, is an intelligent, charismatic personality, soft spoken and bright, she's actually great company. Her talents and achievements are there for all to see and read about, but I find her personality is as charming as her voice.

Not only is she a wonderful story teller, speaking in her trademark soft melodious and expressive voice, she herself takes an interest in all subjects. I observed that she listens to what others have to say, and that her remarks are intelligent and to-the-point.

She could very easily, sort of 'wrap herself up' in her own, to put it simply, 'greatness' and live in her own world, but she doesn't. This wonderful lady is so down-to-earth, actually in sync with the real world and interested in what's happening in it. A lesson to learn in humility.

To my mind, she has taken her success in her stride and has learnt to live with the accolades and adulation with true dignity and genuine humility. It is amazing.

Here's wishing you a very happy birthday, dear Lataji, and a big thank you for all the songs you have sung, even if you do not remember all of them.

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