MUMBAI: An old adage says, "If you are one of those who knows how to add life to years, then you have truly lived."

Does this apply to legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar who turns 80 on 29 September? Probably yes, in fact, more, because in all these years, Lata Mangeshkar not only added life to her years but also to that of the listeners with her music.

"I do not know how to describe somebody of that stature," says Saregama India Vice President Atul Churamani, completely lost for words. Incidentally, Saregama India has one of the largest collections of Lata Mangeshkar's music, needless to say, having a singer like Lata Mangeshkar would be a strong asset for any label, but Churamani is quick to retort, "I dare not call her an asset, she is the back bone and pillar of the Indian music industry." A reply, clearly hinting how deeply revered the singer is.

Since the past few years, Lata Mangeshkar has drastically cut down on mainstream films and has been either working on devotional titles or regional albums. The songs being produced these days are completely of a different kind, and she is quite right in doing so,... Churamani supports. It is believed that the singer is inundated with offers for films but she only takes up a song after being convinced about the lyrics and melody. Her last film was Madhur Bhadarkar's Page 3, the music of which was scored by Shamir Tandon – one of the few composers from the younger lot to have worked with her.

"For me, it was more than a dream come true," he says instantly, "I am blessed that she worked with me." However, he adds, "it's a big loss for us as her audience, as she seldom sings these days." Speaking about his experience, Tandon says, "At 80, when most of us wouldn't even survive, she is hale and hearty, and sings a song in 15 minutes flat without any breaks." But it's even more surprising when he says, "She doesn't charge a penny till everyone from lyricist to music director is happy with the way the song has shaped up - she even asks us to scold her if she is not doing well!" he adds.

Describing one of the recent episodes, Churamani says, "A few days back she visited our office, and as soon as she got out of the car, two young guys walking on the streets, completely unknown, came up to her and touched her feet - it's impossible to imagine what she means for the common man of this country," he added.

She may be reaching her pinnacle, but age is just a number, after all. As usual, the nightingale will celebrate a quiet birthday says grand daughter Radha Mangeshkar, "For her, birthdays have always been low-key and meant only for close knit family members." However, Radha Mangeshkar does plan to keep up to her grandmother's fetish for fruit cake and traditional sweets, "She is very fond of fruit cake with cream, sheera (a traditional Maharastrian sweet dish) and halwa so we'll have all of that on her birthday," she says.

Meanwhile, city fans do have something to look forward to – Amrut Lata, a two and half hour tribute concert on Lata Mangeshkar will be staged across Mumbai starting from 26- 29 September, 2009. The concert happens every five years on Lata
Mangeshkar's birthday (the last one took place when the singer turned 75). Around 800 - 900 people are expected to attend each of the four concerts.

Hmmm… talk about growing old, that too – like shimmering gold.