The nightingale of Indian cinema Lata Mangeshkar has agreed to be a part of STAR Plus' successful reality TV show 'Voice Of India', which comes to an end later this month (Saturday 24th November).

The show's producer-director Gajendra Singh couldn't contain his excitement.

"She has agreed to give the winner the trophy. It took a lot of persuasion, a lot of perseverance. But then it's worth it because Lataji is no ordinary mortal. She's goddess Saraswati reincarnated. And to have her grace our show is the best gift I've received in my 14 years of service to the cause of music," Singh told IANS.

Interestingly, Lataji's sister Asha Bhosle served as the guest judge on the rival music contest show - ZEE TV's 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge' a few months ago.

"But Lataji coming on our show isn't something we planned after Ashaji came on the other show," protested Singh. "We've been trying to persuade her for years to come on our show. This time she has finally agreed."

She met the 'Voice Of India' finalists at her residence during the Ganesh Mahotsav.

"Her advice to the contestants was not to copy any of the established voices. She has always said it's relatively easy to sing popular numbers, much harder to sing original numbers," said Singh.

Seven years ago Lata co-produced STAR's 'Meri Awaaz Suno'.

'STAR Voice Of India' will be shown in the UK in the coming weeks.