I'm not retiring, says Lata

May 29, 2011 IANS

New Delhi, May 29 (IANS) A media report claiming that octogenerian Lata Mangeshkar is planning to retire has upset the singing legend who is surprised how a reputed newspaper could have published such an item.

"Today, I read a news in DNA newspaper that said that I am retiring. This is absolutely wrong. And I am surprised a reputated newspaper like DNA has published wrong and irresponsible information about me," Lata Sunday posted on her Twitter page.

The 81-year-old says that she has come into this world to sing and will keep singing till her last breath.

"If I want to retire, then I will make that decision myself, not others. DNA, or others who want to tell all this, do they really need to talk about my retirement? Be it any newspaper, they should talk to me directly; should not write an article on the basis of hearsay. Nobody has the right to insult me and my future work will be a reply to such rumours.

"What has also upset me is that wihout making any effort to find out the details about my health, they have written that I am suffering from back pain. This is also a lie," Lata asked.

A receipient of the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, Lata, during her almost seven decade long career has sung for over 1,000 Bollywood films and in 36 regional languages.