Lata Mangeshkar Death Anniversary: When the melody queen raised funds after India's 1983 World Cup Victory

On the death anniversary of the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar in 2024, the focus turns to her significant contribution to the 1983 World Cup-winning cricket team. Sharmila Tagore, the Bollywood actor and wife of the late Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, disclosed an interesting fact about Lata Mangeshkar's support for the team. Mangeshkar, who passed away on February 6, 2022, at the age of 92, played an important role in raising funds for the Indian cricket team during the 1983 World Cup.

During an interview with Aaj Tak, Sharmila Tagore revealed, "She (Lata Mangeshkar) was very fond of cricket.In 1983, when we won the World Cup, she raised funds with her brother, Hridaynath Mangeshkar. They managed to collect Rs. 20 lakh for the Indian cricket team, providing Rs. one lakh each to the players." Tagore emphasized the financial constraints faced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at that time, stating that they lacked sufficient funds to honor the players. Tagore further elaborated on Mangeshkar's philanthropic endeavors, mentioning her contribution to a concert for Goa Liberation in collaboration with Sudhir Phadke, who played a role in the Goa Freedom Movement. Lata Mangeshkar's support extended beyond cricket, showcasing her commitment to various causes.

Lata Mangeshkar's health took a downturn in January 2022 when she tested positive for COVID-19. Admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, she succumbed to the illness on February 6, 2022.
Kirti Azad, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, fondly remembered Lata Mangeshkar and acknowledged her invaluable contribution. Azad shared a black-and-white image of the victorious team with Mangeshkar standing behind the trophy at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi, flanked by captain Kapil Dev and Mohinder Amarnath. In his tribute, Azad expressed, "Lata Didi, we will miss you. The entire victorious World Cup team of '83 will never forget your contribution to the team."

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly also paid tribute to the iconic singer, marveling at the timeless quality of Lata Mangeshkar's voice. In his tweet mourning her passing, Ganguly remarked, "RIP ... Bharat Ratna ... A very sad day for all Indians ... when you speak of talent, she was one of the greatest and rarest people the country has seen ... hard to believe that a 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."