Lata Mangeshkar's Dedication: 10-Hour Recording for "Lukka Chuppi"
Lata Mangeshkar, the beloved "Nightingale of India," left an extraordinary legacy in music with a career spanning over eight decades. She recorded thousands of songs in more than 36 languages, enchanting generations with her timeless voice. Among her many memorable performances, the deeply evocative "Lukka Chuppi" from Rang De Basanti (2006) stands out.
Filmmaker Rakyesh Om Prakash Mehra, who collaborated with her on the film, shared a touching story about the recording process during an interview with O2India. Mangeshkar insisted on traveling to chennai for the recording, preferring the atmosphere of A.R. Rahman’s studio. Arriving three days early, she was eager to start working, even when Mehra suggested she take some time to rest. “She insisted on going to his space. That’s how humble she was,” Mehra recalled.
Once in chennai, Mangeshkar wanted to head directly to the studio. Despite Mehra’s request for her to relax first, she immediately asked to hear the composition and began rehearsing, recording it on a cassette to practice over the next few days.
At the recording, even in her late 70s, she stood for eight to ten hours, requesting that the microphone be adjusted for her to sing while standing. Mangeshkar chose to perform entire verses instead of just repeating lines, creating a magical atmosphere for Mehra, who felt honored to witness her talent.
On the fourth day, when she arrived to record, she requested the mic height be adjusted higher, stating, “I can’t sit and sing.” She then began to jam with Rahman, continuing this intense session without taking a break. Unlike many singers, she sang entire passages multiple times to capture the desired emotion, making the experience feel extraordinary.
Lata Mangeshkar passed away in 2022 at the age of 92, leaving behind a rich legacy of music and inspiration.
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