Lata Mangeshkar is the 'Goddess of music', an 'inspiration', says Bollywood

Describing her as the "Goddess of music" and an "inspiration", several Bollywood singers as well as actors wished the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar good health on her 82nd birthday today.

"I wish Lataji a very happy birthday. She is the Goddess of music. She is not only an inspiration to me, but to everyone. On this beautiful occasion, I wish her good health and many more wonderful and beautiful years ahead," playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan said.

"For me, Lataji is next to God. I feel, music is alive today only due to her. I am fortunate enough to have sung songs with her," Abhijeet Bhattacharya said.

Abhijeet got the opportunity to sing with the melody queen like Darwaza Band Karlo (Darr) and Ole Ole, Lagi Lagi Hai (Yeh Dillagi).

"Lataji meri bahut pyaari hai (Lataji is very sweet). I know her for a long time...our association is very old. Even if I don't say anything, Lataji knows that I love her and will wish all the good in life," evergreen star Dev Anand said.

"Lataji has been a significant entertainer, not only for our countrymen, but everyone across the globe. We all love her a lot...If I get a chance, I would meet...and wish her," superstar Shahrukh Khan said.

Singer Sonu Nigam said, "I wish her very happy birthday filled with loads of love and care. I think it is our fortune to take birth in the times of Lataji. She is an inspiration for me and will always continue to inspire several other generations."

"I never got the opportunity to sing with her, but she has been an inspiration for me. She is an institution of music. In fact, when my son was born, I took him to the recording room, where my husband was recording a song with Lataji, to seek her blessings. I value her very much. All I observed is that she is well-prepared for her songs and I try to follow her," singer Rekha Bhardwaj said.

"On this occasion, I wish her good health and hope she continues to allure us with her beautiful songs," she said.

"Lataji singing for any actress is a blessing. She has an incredible talent. We can only hope that she lives for many many years and sings forever," actress-producer Dia Mirza said.

"I wish Lataji could sing for me. She has been an inspiration not only to singers, but even to actors and everyone in this industry. I wish her all happiness and a healthy life," said actor Zayed Khan.