As the iconic song Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon turned 50 years old on January 27, Lata Mangeshkar tells Subhash K Jha the truth about India's most beloved patriotic song.
'The amount of respect we have for people who guard our borders and put the country first.' 'Why do they do this?' 'The chances of not coming back are so high. Still, they take that risk.' 'It's for the love of the country.'
There are so many patriotic songs that make us proud to be Indians.
The Centre decided to drop one of Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymns Abide with me from this year's Beating Retreat ceremony as playing more Indian tunes would be appropriate in view of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, which celebrates the 75th year of India's Independence, government sources said on Sunday.
This year's ceremony will conclude with Sare Jahan Se Acha.
Subhash K Jha celebrates the Ram Mandir pran pratishtha ceremony by picking some memorable Ram bhajans from movies you may not have heard of.
Film folk, politicians and sports personalities joined hundreds of fans as they paid their last respects to Lata Mangeshkar.
From the drones show to projection mapping show, this year's ceremony also presented quite a few firsts.
'When I heard the tune for Abhi Na Jao I was bowled over.' 'Of course, I never knew it would be such a timeless rage.'
Rains failed to dampen the spirit of Beating Retreat ceremony held at the historic Vijay Chowk in New Delhi on Sunday as Indian classical tunes played by bands of the armed forces filled the air, marking the end of Republic Day celebrations.
And more importantly who's keeping her company?
Was this indeed the Lata who had started out with her, as a child star, in Badi Maa (1945)? Raju Bharatan recalls yet another memorable incident from Lata Mangeshkar's incredible life.
'I came to hear you sing Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon. I am glad I have heard you sing.'
The ceremony will begin with the massed band's "Agniveer" tune which will be followed by the enthralling tunes like "Almora", "Kedar Nath", "Sangam Dur", "Queen of Satpura", "Bhagirathi", "Konkan Sundari" by pipes and drums band, the defence ministry statement said.
Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar of the Indian Air Force has participated in the Republic Day parade every year for 26 years.
The proceedings began at around 11:20 am and nominated members were first administered the oath by presiding officer Satya Sharma, followed by elected councillors.
'I am proud to say she was my voice in all my best songs.'
Just how much do *you* know about Lataji?
In a first, a grand drone show will dazzle the sky above the national capital during the Beating the Retreat ceremony to be held at Vijay Chowk on Saturday as part of the country's 73rd Republic Day celebrations.
On the occasion of Ram Navmi, five Ram bhajans from Hindi films that you probably haven't heard, but should right away.
Lata Mangeshkar was my introduction, the beginning, the basic, the identity of film music. Sukanya Verma salutes The Legend.
Saddened by the terrorist attack in Uri, Lata Mangeshkar won't celebrate her birthday this year.
An evergreen song is recreated, and lands in instant controversy.
'I somehow escaped the difficulties that a majority of working girls face.'
'There was no time to do all the normal things that children do as they grow up.' 'One day, I was playing with dolls.' 'The next day, I was on a train looking for opportunities to sing at various recording studios.'
'If only Cariappa/Thimayya/Chaudhari/Manekshaw were given a free hand, there'll be no PoK, the Chinese would have been taught a lesson, 1965 would have slain the Pak demon and in 1971 just another fortnight's fighting after Bangladesh and West Pakistan would have been occupied.' 'No authoritative military account suggests anything remotely like any of these...' '...Chronologies, names, even periods get mixed up, but, never mind, because the point -- strong Army denied by cowardly Congress -- is made.' 'This is where Modi is coming from,' points out Shekhar Gupta.
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