Good morning,
As you may know, the first live performance by Lata Mangeshkar of the song was on 26 January 1963 and was held at an event at the National Stadium in New Delhi. President S. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru attended the performance because Republic Day (26 January) 1963, which was just two months after the end of the war. The performance of the song moved Nehru to tears. “Those who don’t feel inspired by Aye mere watan ke logo don’t deserve to be called a Hindustani”, said Nehru, who was visibly moved by the song. He called Lata Mangeshkar from back stage and personally said to her, “My child, you made me weep today.” There was a tea party in the evening at his house. He personally invited her saying, “Please come today to my evening tea-party.” He was so moved by the song, that immediately after telling this to Lata, he left the place…
Music Director C. Ramchandra mentioned in his autobiography: At the end of the concert, music maestro Naushad Ali, Raj Kapoor and Dililp Kumar showered me with compliments and affection. Movie moghul Mehboob Khan remarked, “Annaji (C. Ramchandra), all the film industry is very proud of you. We’ll walk around with our chins up..!” That was the happiest day of my life and the climax of my musical talent. The tremendous appreciation for the artiste in me was never like it before and never will be again. “Sa re ga ma padh ni sa…every ‘sur’ perfectly matched. Thank you Lord, you’ve been so gracious to me…”
Happy Republic day..!
Stay warm, with regards,
Jayant.
Sharing is Caring…
Rare original 78rpm records part 1&2… 2) Music Director C. Ramchandra with Lata Mangeshkar at the historic live performances of the song, ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo’ on Republic Day, January 26, 1963…