Lata Mangeshkar Joins PM Modi As 'Special Guest' On Monthly Radio Programme Mann Ki Baat

In what could be a great surprise to the nation, noted singer Lata Mangeshkar on Sunday joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a special guest during his latest edition of monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat. Mangeshkar celebrated her 90th birthday on Saturday, September 28, 2019. "I have a very special guest joining us today during Mann Ki Baat. Do tune in at 11 am," Modi tweeted minutes before the programme started.

Shortly after beginning his address, Modi dialled the nightingale of Indian cinema and extended her birthday greetings this morning. "Wish you a very happy birthday in advance. May your health be good, your blessings be with all of us, just to pray and salute you, I called you before I left for America," PM Modi told the legendary singer over phone.

आपको जन्मदिन की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं, अग्रिम बधाई दे दूं | आपका स्वास्थ्य अच्छा रहे,आपका आशीर्वाद हम सभी पर बना रहे, बस यही प्रार्थना और आपको प्रणाम करने के लिए मैंने, अमेरिका जाने से पहले ही आपको फ़ोन कर दिया : PM @narendramodi to @mangeshkarlata Ji

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 29, 2019

Notably, the programme was recorded before PM Modi left for his seven-day US visit on September 21. He returned to India on Saturday night.

READ | Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Extends B-Day Greetings To Lata Mangeshkar, Wishes Netizens On Navratri

"There would hardly be anyone who does not show utmost regard for Lata Mangeshkar ji. She is elder to most of us and has been witness to different eras in the country. We address her as 'didi'. She turns 90 today," Modi added.

Replying to Modi, Mangeshkar said, "I know the picture of India is changing with your rise to power and it makes me very happy. I feel very nice".

मैं जानती हूँ कि आपके आने से भारत का चित्र बदल रहा है और वो, वही मुझे बहुत खुशी होती है | बहुत अच्छा लगता है: @mangeshkarlata Ji to PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 29, 2019

Apart from Mangeshkar, Modi also welcomed young singer Ripudaman Singh to the programme, who has been making Plogging popular across India. Singh was also featured on the show via call.

READ | From Prez Kovind To Big B - Lata Mangeshkar Inundated With Heartfelt Greetings On 90th Birthday

Earlier in 2015, Modi hosted then US President Barack Obama as a special guest in Mann Ki Baat, during which Obama shared his personal stories, giving insights regarding what it takes to achieve goals in life.

Mann Ki Baat was first broadcast in October 2014, months after PM Modi took charge for his first term in office. The monthly broadcast was discontinued for a short span of time in the view of Model Code of Conduct, implemented ahead of General Elections 2019. The programme resumed on June 30 with the prime minister returning to office for the second term in May.