Indian Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar is furious over reports of her retirement, saying that unsubstantial talks about the end of her career and illness are "insulting".
The 81-year-old came across an article in a leading newspaper on Sunday claiming that she will be retiring soon and has taken to Twitter to vent her ire.
"I read an article in a newspaper today which said that I am going to retire. This is totally wrong. And I am astonished that such a reputed newspaper has published such a false and irresponsible report," she wrote on the micro-blogging site.
"I believe that I was born to sing and will continue to do so as long as I live. If I do retire, It is me who is going to make that decision, not anyone else. Why should other people be talking about my retirement?
"No one has the right to insult me like this and my future work will prove to be a fitting reply to these reports," she added.
The Bharat Ratna also dismissed rumours about her ill health, saying, "I am also sad that without knowing anything they have written that I suffer from 'back pain'. This is also false. Does a well-known newspaper like this have no concerns about its reputation?"
The veteran singer was last heard in the film 'Jail' and is reportedly set to sing the title track for the upcoming film 'Maee' starring sister Asha Bhosle.