When Lata Mangeshkar passed away a few years ago, tributes flooded in from all corners, celebrating her extraordinary contribution to music. Among the stories shared was one about her passion for cricket and how she was given free tickets for every match India played, thanks to a special connection. That connection was Raj Singh Dungarpur, a former cricketer and cricket administrator, often referred to as Lata’s only “romantic partner.”
Who Was Raj Singh Dungarpur?
Raj Singh Dungarpur hailed from the royal family of Dungarpur in Rajasthan, being the youngest son of Maharawal Lakshman Singhji, the ruler of Dungarpur. A talented cricketer, Raj played in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy from 1955 to 1971 for Rajasthan and Central Zone. After his retirement from playing, he shifted to cricket administration and managed the Indian cricket team on various tours. He also served as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during the 1990s.
The Bond Between Lata Mangeshkar and Raj Singh Dungarpur
Lata and Raj Singh met in the 1960s through Lata’s brother, Hridaynath Mangeshkar, who was friends with the cricketer. Their bond developed quickly, though both families were not in favor of the relationship. Lata’s family preferred a Marathi groom for her, while Raj Singh’s family disapproved because he was not the heir to the throne of Dungarpur. Gossip from the time told of Raj Singh standing against his family to pursue the relationship, but ultimately, the two did not marry. Despite this, their friendship remained strong throughout their lives.
In a 2004 interview, Raj Singh shared his thoughts on their decision not to marry, stating that it was a deeply personal matter and that their different backgrounds played a role. However, he emphasized that their bond had only grown stronger with time. He described Lata as “the treasure house of my admiration and affection.”
Lata’s Perspective
Lata, however, remained private about the nature of her relationship with Raj Singh. When questioned about whether he was her “one true love,” Lata responded with a cryptic reply: “There are some things only for the heart to know. Let me keep it that way.”
Later Years
Raj Singh Dungarpur continued to serve Indian cricket as a selector and manager until 2006, including his final assignment managing the team during a tour to Pakistan. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 73. Lata, whose voice had captivated generations, continued her musical journey into her 80s and 90s, passing away in 2022 at the age of 92. Their lives intertwined by mutual respect and affection, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both the worlds of music and cricket.
