On the occasion of Lata Mangeshkar’s birth anniversary, cricket enthusiasts and music lovers alike are fondly recollecting the heartwarming instance when the legendary singer extended her support to the 1983 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team. A memorable anecdote recounted by veteran Bollywood actor Sharmila Tagore, who is also the widow of the late India cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, highlighted Lata Mangeshkar’s significant contribution of Rs. 20 lakh to the cricket team during a financially constrained period for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
In a heartfelt interview with Aaj Tak, Tagore shared, “She [Lata Mangeshkar] was very fond of cricket. In 1983, when we won the World Cup, she raised funds alongside her brother, Hridaynath Mangeshkar. They managed to collect Rs. 20 lakh for the Indian cricket team, ensuring each player received Rs. one lakh.”
The backdrop to this generous gesture was a time when BCCI was far from the lucrative establishment it is today, grappling with limited funds to reward the players for their historic victory. Tagore further reminisced Mangeshkar’s benevolent spirit, adding, “At that time, BCCI didn’t have much money. Even for Goa, with Sudhir Phadke (who was involved in the Goa Freedom Movement), she performed a concert for Goa Liberation and contributed to that as well.”
Lata Mangeshkar, often hailed as the Nightingale of India, held not only an influential position in the music industry but also a revered place in the hearts of countless Indians. Her philanthropic actions, such as the one for the 1983 cricket team, reflect profound gratitude and unwavering support for national causes. This essence was deeply felt by members of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, including Kirti Azad, who fondly remembered the songstress.
Azad nostalgically posted a black-and-white photograph of the victorious squad with Mangeshkar at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi. The image featured the singer standing proudly behind the trophy, flanked by captain Kapil Dev and Mohinder Amarnath. Azad captioned the picture, “Lata Didi, we will miss you. The entire victorious World Cup team of ’83 will never forget your contribution to the team. Your Lata Mangeshkar night at Indraprastha Stadium, now IGI stadium, Delhi, to collect funds for the team. #LataMangeshkar. We are indebted to you for life.”
The cricketing fraternity and millions of fans mourned the loss of Lata Mangeshkar, who passed away on February 6, 2022, at the age of 92 after battling COVID-19. The singer was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital following her diagnosis in January 2022, where she eventually succumbed to the virus despite ongoing treatment.
Former Indian skipper and current BCCI President Sourav Ganguly also expressed his deep sorrow and admiration for the legendary singer in a heartfelt tweet. “RIP .
… Bharat Ratna … A very sad day for all Indians … when you speak of talent, she was one of the greatest and rarest the country has seen … It is hard to believe that 20-year-old lady is no more … well, her voice sounded like that every time. Lots of respect and love … be at peace wherever you are,” Ganguly wrote, encapsulating the emotions of a nation bereaved of its iconic songbird.
Lata Mangeshkar’s resonance in the realm of Indian cricket is a testament to her indomitable spirit and national pride. Through her charitable actions, she not only bridged the worlds of music and sports but also underscored the impact of individual contributions in fostering collective national achievements.
Her unwavering support helped buoy a nascent cricket team that would go on to inspire generations. As the nation commemorates her legacy on her birth anniversary, it is a poignant reminder of the multifaceted role Mangeshkar played in shaping India’s cultural and sporting landscapes, leaving behind an indelible mark that transcends the boundaries of music and sport.
The stories of Lata Mangeshkar’s contributions to India’s cricketing history serve as inspiring narratives that remind us of the power of compassion and the extraordinary influence of melding art with national unity. Her legacy continues to be celebrated, not just for her timeless music, but for the profound ways in which she touched lives far beyond her melodies.
