On the birth anniversary of the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, we reflect on a remarkable chapter in Indian sports history where her contribution shone brightly off the cricket field. Revered as the Nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar provided a unique form of support to the 1983 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team by raising Rs. 20 lakh, a tremendous feat during a time when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) struggled with limited financial resources.
Veteran Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore, the wife of the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi who captained the Indian cricket team, expressed her admiration for Mangeshkar’s gesture in a heartfelt revelation. “She (Lata Mangeshkar) was very fond of cricket. In 1983, when we won the World Cup, she raised funds with her brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar, amassing Rs. 20 lakh for the Indian cricket team, and each player received Rs. one lakh,” Tagore narrated in a candid interview with Aaj Tak.
Tagore elaborated on the financial struggles faced by the BCCI at that time, a stark contrast to the prosperous cricketing body it has become today. “At that time, BCCI didn’t have that much money. Even for Goa, with Sudhir Phadke saab (who was involved in the Goa Freedom Movement), they did a concert for Goa Liberation and she contributed to that also,” Tagore added, highlighting Mangeshkar’s enduring spirit of philanthropy and national pride.
Lata Mangeshkar, whose melodious voice and patriotic fervor left an indelible mark on India’s cultural fabric, also played a critical role during significant national events. Besides her contribution to the 1983 World Cup-winning cricket team, her involvement in the Goa Liberation movement through musical performances underscored her commitment to the nation’s progress and unity.
The somber tone surrounding her recent passing on February 6, 2022, after a battle with COVID-19, reverberated through the nation. She was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai in January 2022 for COVID-19 treatment and sadly did not recover, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
Reflecting on her monumental gesture for the cricket team, Kirti Azad, a member of the victorious 1983 squad, commemorated his association with the illustrious singer by sharing a nostalgic black-and-white photograph. The image featured Mangeshkar standing with the shimmering World Cup trophy amid jubilant team members, including captain Kapil Dev and Mohinder Amarnath, at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.
Azad remembered the event fondly, stating, “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… we are indebted to you for life.” His words poignantly encapsulate the sense of gratitude and respect held by the team and fans alike.
In a similar vein, BCCI President and former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly articulated his profound admiration for Mangeshkar’s timeless voice and unmatched talent.
. Mourning her passing in a heartfelt tweet, Ganguly wrote, “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 … 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 in peace wherever you are.”
As we commemorate Lata Mangeshkar’s birth anniversary, it is essential to celebrate not just her extraordinary contributions to Indian music but also her unflinching support for the Indian cricket team. Her effort to raise funds for the 1983 World Cup winners remains a testament to her patriotic spirit and her ability to inspire greatness beyond her professional realm. This confluence of sports and culture serves as a reminder of her boundless legacy, resonating across generations and underscoring that her contributions transcended the boundaries of melody and rhythm, enriching the very fabric of the nation’s sporting history.
