Pune, 30th september 2025: On the occasion of Lata Mangeshkar’s 96th birthday on September 28, 2025, veteran music composer and her younger brtother Hridaynath Mangeshkar announced that “Next year, Asia’s largest hospital will be built in Pune on a forty-acre land, and it will be named after Lata Mangeshkar.”
He made this announcement at the ‘Mee Lata Dinanath’ program, a musical tribute featuring Lata Didi’s beloved Marathi and Hindi songs, organized in her memory.
The event was graced by several prominent personalities including Cultural Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, MP Medha Kulkarni, veteran singer Usha Mangeshkar, veteran actor Mohan Joshi, actress Prajakta Mali, Sushil Kulkarni, and Shirish Rayirikar. During the same program, singer Madhura Datar was presented with the ‘Didi Award’ on behalf of Hridaynath Mangeshkar.
"Lata Didi planted saplings to commemorate Baba's work. Now it has been expanded considerably. Next year, Asia's largest hospital will be built in the name of Didi on an area of forty acres. All kinds of modern services and facilities will be provided in this hospital," said Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar.
Addressing past criticisms of Mangeshkar Hospital, Hridaynath Mangeshkar said, “Many people criticized the hospital, though I don’t know why. But Kulkarni stepped forward and presented our side.” Responding to this, Kulkarni stated that Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar and Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital had done nothing wrong, which is why he felt it necessary to speak up.
Cultural Minister Ashish Shelar also praised Dr. Kelkar, saying, “Even during the allegations, he performed his duties flawlessly.” He further expressed gratitude to the Mangeshkar family, calling Lata Mangeshkar “a true cultural ambassador of the nation” and highlighting the family's lasting contribution to Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage.