Late legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar was a voice that resonated across generations. Her unparalleled seven-decade career saw her lend her iconic vocals to thousands of songs, becoming an integral part of Indian cinema and culture. But, there's a secret behind her soulful voice. Lata Mangeshkar's physical presence is deeply missed, but, her musical legacy continues to inspire and enchant millions around the world. Today marks the third death anniversary of this Nightingale of India. While a lot is known about Lata Mangeshkar, some things are still lesser known about her. Lata Mangeshkar lesser known facts Born in the family of performers Lata Mangeshkar came from a family deeply rooted in music. She was the eldest daughter of Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar and Shevanti (Shudhamati). Along with her sisters Asha, Usha, and Meena, all accomplished singers in their own right, Lata Mangeshkar was part of a remarkable lineage of talented performers. Changed her name after a famous character Originally named Hema, she was later known as Lata, a name inspired by a character in her father's play, Bhaaw Bandhan. First song never went live In 1938, at just nine years old, Lata Mangeshkar gave her first public performance at the Nutan Theatre in Sholapur. Four years later, in 1942, she recorded her first song for the Marathi film Kiti Hasaal. Despite being her first recording, the song, "Naachu Yaa Gade, Khelu Saari Mani Haus Bhaari," didn't make it into the film's final version. Was rejected because of voice Lata Mangeshkar was rejected because of her voice. By 1947, she met Subodh Mukherjee who rejected her voice for a film saying that it did not match that of the legendary 40s actress Kamini Kaushal. Was fond of eating green chillies Lata Mangeshkar once shared a surprising secret to her melodious voice: green chillies! In an interview with India Today, she revealed her fondness for them, even admitting to eating 11 in one sitting. Never listened to her own songs Lata Mangeshkar once told Bollywood Hungama that she avoided listening to her own songs because she was always able to find flaws in her singing. 1974: The year that was! Lata Mangeshkar has the record of becoming the first-ever Indian to perform live at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. This was her debut on the international stage. In the 1974 edition of the Guinness Book of Records, she was listed as the most recorded artist, having sung around 25,000 songs. Love story with Raj Singh Dungarpur Rumours suggest that Lata Mangeshkar and Raj Singh Dungarpur were romantically involved, but chose not to marry, remaining lifelong friends. The reason for this, it's said, was that Raj Singh, a member of the Rajasthan royal family and former BCCI President, had promised his parents he wouldn't marry outside of royalty. It's also said that he affectionately called Lata Mangeshkar 'Mithoo.'Original Article