Ranu Mandal: From Heiress to Railway Platform Singer, Now Living Amidst Squalor

Ranu Mandal, who captured the nation’s heart by singing Lata Mangeshkar’s songs and became an overnight internet sensation, now faces a tragic decline in life. Once born into a wealthy family and married into celebrity circles—with her husband working as a cook for the late actor Feroz Khan—Ranu is today reportedly living in abject conditions, surrounded by crawling insects and filth.

A Life of Contrasts

Ranu Mandal’s story is a stark reminder of how fortune can change. Despite growing up in affluence, circumstances led her to face extreme hardship. She was separated from her parents at just six months old and raised by her grandmother in West Bengal. Later, she married and moved to Mumbai, where her love for music led her to sing in clubs for a living. Her husband worked as a cook for Feroz Khan, and Ranu often recalled how kindly they treated her and her children.

Ranu’s talent was undeniable. She often sang for personal joy, listening to Lata Mangeshkar’s cassettes and mimicking her style. Her stage name “Ranu Bobby” became known in local clubs, while her melodious voice earned her the nickname “Lata Mangeshkar of Ranaghat.”

Family Struggles and Personal Loss

Ranu Mandal has experienced profound personal loss. She reportedly had two marriages—one ended in separation and the other in her husband’s death in 2003. She had a son and daughter, but her daughter Elizabeth distanced herself for nearly ten years. After these personal tragedies, Ranu returned to Ranaghat and began singing at railway stations to make ends meet, living in severe poverty.

A Brief Resurgence in 2019

Ranu’s fortunes briefly changed in July 2019 when a video of her singing Lata Mangeshkar’s “Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai” at a railway station went viral. She recorded five to six songs, performed on reality shows, attended events, and even received recognition from the West Bengal government. Her daughter reconciled with her, and she received support from fans and well-wishers.

Return to Hardship

Tragically, Ranu Mandal’s situation has deteriorated once again. According to reports by YouTuber Nishu Tiwari, the singer is now living in squalid conditions, with insects crawling in her home, unbearable stench from the toilets, and garbage scattered everywhere. She reportedly has no regular access to food or money, and her mental health is said to be unstable—she struggles with memory and comprehension, and requires visitors to bring her meals to avoid anger or distress.

Ranu Mandal’s journey, from the heights of fame to extreme destitution, underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the challenges faced by those whose early promise is left unsupported.