1971 War: When Lata Mangeshkar Sang For Bangladesh & Raised Funds For Upkeep Of Refugees

Legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar, who passed away on February 6, played a key role in mobilising funds and international opinions in favour of Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971 by travelling to different cities in Indian Air Force planes.

She sang the song "O Dadabhai", composed by Salil Chowdhury for the film "Raktakto Bangla", which was released in December 1972. It is the only song sung by Lata Mangeshkar in Bangladeshi films.

The funds raised at musical events where Lata Mangeshkar performed across India were channelised for the upkeep of refugees who had crossed over to India from Bangladesh during the war.

File Photo

Lata Mangeshkar's demise has created a "great void in the subcontinent's musical arena", Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Sunday, as she recalled 'the empress of music' with gratitude for her role in the Liberation War of 1971 against Pakistan.

"I have deep respect and gratitude for Lataji for her role in the Liberation War of Bangladesh. She, along with her fellow Indian artists, contributed immensely towards promoting the cause of Bangladesh," Bangladesh government said in a press release.

Lata Mangeshkar shared an anecdote about visiting Bangladesh on Twitter, in 2019.

She reminisced about coming to the country soon after the liberation. She delighted the audience with her melodious musical performances.

"Namaskar. As soon as the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War ended, we went to Bangladesh and we did several events with (Bollywood actor) Sunil Dutt's group. At the time, we used to commute all around by Army planes," she tweeted.

TOI

Lata Mangeshkar was part of an Indian cultural delegation that called on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family in Dhaka in 1972. Others in the delegation were actress Wahida Rehman, a young Sanjay Dutt and his father, actor Sunil Dutt.

Mangeshkar, who sang close to 185 songs in Bangla, is remembered by her fans in Bangladesh for classics such as "Akash Prodip Jwole", under the direction of Satinath Mukherjee and "Prem Ekbar Esechhilo Nirobe", composed by Hemanta Mukherjee.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.