Lataji never missed PM Modi’s birthday. Prime Minister Modi too made sure he was one of the first to wish Lataji on her birthday. On his swearing-in as the prime minister for the first time Amitabh Bachchan attended the ceremony; Lataji regretfully expressed her inability to attend.
Lataji told Zoom, “I am overjoyed at Modiji’s victory. It is in many ways the triumph of the common man, and I fully identify with the saga of a soul from the soil reaching the highest pinnacle of success. In a way it reminds me of my own journey.”
Modiji, a diehard fan of the Nightingale, most graciously accepted Lataji ‘RSVP’ on condition that she visit Gujarat as his personal guest at her earliest.
Cut to many years later, Lataji was no more. Looking dewdrop fresh and sparkling with genuine love and affection for his Lata Didi, PM Narendra Modi, was the recipient of the first Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar award. That evening at the Shanmukhananda Hall, gave a mesmerising speech on Lataji. His words on Lataji simply flowed in a sincere cascade of emotions. Calling Lataji his ‘Badi Bahen’ PM Modi said she was not only elder in umr(age)but also by her karm(deeds). PM Modi spoke of Lataji’s saralta (simplicity). He regretfully reminded himself that this raksha bandhan there will be no raakhi from his Badi Bahen.
Lataji was supremely appreciative of Narendra Modi’s triumph. She said, “I am proud to say I supported his leadership qualities. Full credit goes to the aam junta of India, the common man for bringing this amazing change of governance in the country. Now it’s up to Modiji’s government to deliver. The country has voted for change. Now let’s see what happens.”
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Modiji was keen that she contest the Lok Sabha elections from Gujarat. She did admit that there was some persuasion for her to contest the elections. “But I had absolutely no interest in politics. I am just happy that the country has voted for change. Modiji has changed the face of India. He has made us so proud internationally. When he stands on an international platform all of India stands with him.He has done so much for our nation. I wish Narendrabhai many many milestones.”
On a personal level, Lataji was deeply affectionate towards her Narenbhai. He was one of the first to call her on her birthday every year on 28 September.
On her last birthday when we spoke to her she had said, “My day started with a call from one brother Narenbhai and ended with a call from my other brother Hridaynath. What more could I ask for?”