Prime Minister Narendra Modi will celebrate his 76th birthday on September 17. On this special occasion, various memories and anecdotes from his life have once again come into the spotlight, notably his deeply affectionate relationship with the late Bharat Ratna recipient Lata Mangeshkar. The legendary singer used to address him affectionately as Narendrabhai. The two shared a sibling-like bond, and Lata Mangeshkar would send him a rakhi every single year on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan. In a published essay, Lata Mangeshkar had noted that she was deeply inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's working style and his unwavering intentions.
Sharing thoughts in a book foreword
Lata Mangeshkar penned her observations about Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the foreword of the book titled ‘Modi At 20: Dreams Meet Delivery’. She wrote that she had known him for many years and observed his work for the welfare of the people with immense interest. His priorities appeared distinct, and her interactions with him gave her the distinct feeling that his focus was far more on serving the public than on holding political power.
Connecting development to a mass movement
Drawing a parallel with Mahatma Gandhi, Lata Mangeshkar stated that just as Gandhiji transformed the freedom struggle into a mass movement and connected ordinary citizens to it, Narendrabhai was similarly striving to turn the nation's journey of development into a nationwide mass movement. She recorded this assessment in the book's foreword, highlighting her deep admiration for his vision.
A familial connection and Gujarati meals
Lata Mangeshkar considered Prime Minister Narendra Modi her brother, and he in turn regarded her as his elder sister. Lata Mangeshkar's brother, Hridaynath Mangeshkar, had shared that mutual respect and warmth between his sister and the Prime Minister spanned several decades. Lata Didi would send him a rakhi for Raksha Bandhan, and he would respond through phone calls or letters. Whenever he visited her, Lata would lovingly serve him traditional Gujarati food prepared by her own hands.
Phone calls despite heavy schedules
On the occasion of Lata Mangeshkar's 90th birthday in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called her to extend his birthday greetings just before departing for the United States. During that conversation, Lata Mangeshkar expressed immense joy regarding the positive transformations taking place across the country. She mentioned that she felt the nation's landscape was changing, which brought her great happiness. This conversation was later highlighted during the Prime Minister's radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baart’.
Expressing a wish before he became Prime Minister
Long before Narendra Modi assumed the office of Prime Minister, Lata Mangeshkar publicly voiced her desire to see him lead the country. In November 2013, during the inauguration of the Dinanath Mangeshkar Superspeciality Hospital in Pune, when he was serving as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and was the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, Lata stated that she wished to see him helm the nation as Prime Minister.
Paying tribute upon her passing
Expressing deep sorrow upon Lata Mangeshkar's passing in 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartfelt post stating that he was unable to put his grief into words. He wrote that the kind and caring Lata Didi had left them, creating an irreplaceable void in the nation. He added that future generations would remember her as a titan of Indian culture who possessed the extraordinary ability to mesmerize audiences with her melodious voice.
