It was stage programme of Usha, Hridaynath Mangeshkar,Arun Datye and  Madhubala Jhaveri at Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruha,Kolhapur in 1967. Near the end of programme Hridaynath called Lata Didi on stage. She sang marathi song Mogara Phulalaa. At my age of seven I was lucky to witness the Legend. 

Our home in Kolhapur is just 200 meters away from Jayprabha studio owned by Lata. We used to see her frequently in the studio campus. In 1978, I had an opportunity to attend her full live programme at Shivaji stadium,Kolhapur. It was a mesmerizing performance. In the next 25 years I was fortunate to witness another five live concerts. 

During my internship period in 1983, I had drawn her sketch based on one photograph. Late Bhalaji Pendharkar's son Sadanand  used to visit our home frequently.  He liked the  sketch. I told him I wanted to meet Lataji. He arranged the meeting. It was  one to one informal meeting for twenty minutes. I presented her one 78 RPM disc of Master Dinanath Mangeshkar with label of Balwant music company. She spoke with me in a friendly manner. She liked the sketch and signed it. At the end she gave me a souvenir of her 1979 UK concerts tour with her autograph. I was speechless and will cherish those moments forever.

I had opportunity to attend more than five live concerts each of Lataji from 1978 to 2002 at Mumbai,Pune and Kolhapur.
My observations are ...Lata ji sang her songs in live concerts to near perfection/close to the original. While singing she had full concentration, and was not aware of people on stage and in front. Great commitment to her performance. Very rarely she had interaction with audiance. In consecutive concerts she seldom repeated popular songs, and always choose a song or two of her own choice. 

It is very difficult for me to choose favorite songs of Lataji. The list of favorite songs is endless. I can play antakshari only with songs of Lata. To name a few ...Aayega aanewala (Mahal),Ye zindagi usi ki hai (Anarkali),Ae mere watan ke  logo (Patriotic Nonfilm song),Hum kitna roye (Shinshina ki bublaboo),Chala vahi des (Meera bhajan),Kali kali raat (Saiya)....
When I listen to these songs, I get lost in different world !

I like listening several other singers,including new generation. But Lataji is like Mount Everest ! She has dedicated her whole life to music, music and only music. I consider myself fortunate to be part of the music world ruled by Lataji.