By Kavita Mistry 
The timeless voice of Lata Mangeshkar continues to resonate far beyond her music. On her 96th birth anniversary, her brother and renowned music composer Hridaynath Mangeshkar made a moving announcement during the ‘Mee Lata Dinanath’ programme, an event dedicated to celebrating Lata Mangeshkar’s life and musical legacy through Hindi and Marathi songs, that : Asia’s largest hospital will be constructed in Pune next year, spanning 40 acres, and it will be named in her honour.
A Grand Tribute Through Healthcare
Hridaynath Mangeshkar, on the emotional evening, said that the hospital will offer world class medical services as well as modern facilities. While receiving overwhelming applause from the audience, he said “Lata Didi planted saplings to honour Baba’s work. Now, it’s expanding further with this hospital in her name”. Several notable dignitaries, including Cultural Minister Ashish Shelar, MP Medha Kulkarni, veteran singer Usha Mangeshkar, and actors Mohan Joshi and Prajakta Mali.
Yet another emotional moment in the evening was the presentation of the ‘Didi Award’ to singer Madhura Datar by Hridaynath himself. Addressing past criticisms about the existing Mangeshkar Hospital, he expressed confusion over the backlash, while Medha Kulkarni defended the hospital and its management. She emphasized that Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, under Dr Dhananjay Kelkar’s leadership, had always acted with integrity.
Building on a Strong Foundation
This isn’t the first time that the Mangeshkar’s are foraying into healthcare. In 2013, the Dinanath Mangeshkar Super Speciality Hospital was inaugurated by then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, alongside Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.
During the inauguration, Modi noted that the sisters could have easily honoured their father through music, but they chose healthcare instead, since their father Dinanath Mangeshkar had died due to lack of medical help.
The foundation stone for that hospital was laid by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee—cementing the family’s enduring commitment to public service through healthcare.
Not just the fact that it shall be Asia’s largest hospital, but also it will be testament to Mangeshkar family turning grief into healing, and melody into mercy and giving hope where there was hurt.