Lata Mangeshkar, popularly known as the ‘Nightingale of India’, won many hearts through her soulful voice. Over the years, the legendary playback singer recorded 50,000 songs in 14 different languages. She was honoured with many titles such as ‘Queen of Melody’ and ‘Voice of the Millennium’. The phenomenal singer was honoured with India’s highest accolades, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1989 and the Bharat Ratna in 2001, as well as France’s National Order of the Legion of Honour in 2009.
She also won multiple film awards, including three National Film Awards, 15 Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards, and several Filmfare Awards. However, on February 6, 2022, the legendary singer passed away at the age of 92. Coming to her personal life, Lata never got married and remained single throughout her life. But do you know, Lata had met the man of her dreams in the 1960s? Yes, you read it right. So, without wasting any more time, let’s dive deep in to know who was the romantic partner of Lata Mangeshkar.
Who was Lata Mangeshkar’s romantic partner, Raj Singh Dungarpur?
Raj Singh Dungarpur was born on December 19, 1935, in the former princely state of Dungarpur, in Rajasthan (formerly Rajputana). He was the youngest son of Maharawal Lakshman Singhji, the ruler of Dungarpur. He was a passionate cricketer who played for the Rajasthan cricket team in the Ranji Trophy and for the Central Zone team in the Duleep Trophy from 1955 to 1971. After retiring from cricket, he became an administrator and managed the Indian national team on several overseas tours. Later, he served as the President of the BCCI for two terms in the 1990s.
Lata Mangeshkar and Raj Singh Dungarpur fell in love soon after their first meeting
When Raj was 24 years old, he came to Mumbai as a law student, but his true passion was always cricket. He would spend his days at college and then head to the grounds to play cricket. Raj often joined his new friend, Hridaynath Mangeshkar, in friendly cricket matches. It was Hridaynath who invited his cricket partner, Raj Singh, to his home one day, so his family could meet the promising Ranji player. When Raj entered the Mangeshkar household for the first time, he was greeted by a graceful young woman, none other than Lata Mangeshkar, who offered him tea or coffee.
This was the first meeting of the duo. The cricketer was immediately captivated by Lata’s warmth and presence, and their conversation continued naturally, marked by smiles. Later, when Raj came to the Mangeshkar household, during the festival of Nariyal Poornima, it was the legendary singer who fell in love with him. While he narrated the cricket stories, Lata found herself enchanted by him. From that day onwards, their bond grew stronger with every meeting, and what began as a chance introduction soon blossomed into love.
Lata Mangeshkar and Raj Singh Dungarpur decided never to marry after their families opposed their relationship
When Raj Singh’s father learned about his relationship with Lata, he strongly objected. There were many reasons behind the objection. Firstly, Lata was not from a royal family, secondly, she belonged to a different community, and thirdly, she shared an age gap of six years with Raj. The cricketer faced immense pressure from his family to end the relationship.
Raj found himself torn between his love for Lata and his responsibility to protect his family’s name. After a lot of struggle, he made a heartbreaking choice. As he would not marry the love of his life, Lata, he decided never to marry anyone else. On the other hand, Lata’s family wanted a Marathi groom, and thus the singer chose to remain by Raj’s side and decided not to marry either.
When Lata Mangeshkar and Raj Singh Dungarpur talked about their relationship
Lata never openly addressed the bond she shared with Raj Singh. When asked if he was her “one true love,” she said to Hindustan Times, “There are some things only for the heart to know. Let me keep it that way.” However, Raj Singh said in a 2004 interview with Midday that they came from very different backgrounds and family expectations in the 1960s. He shared that marriage didn’t happen, but it neither lessened nor increased their bond. He also referred Lata as the “treasure house of my admiration and affection.”
What are your thoughts on Raj Singh Dungarpur and Lata Mangeshkar’s relationship? Let us know.
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