Legendery singer Lata Mangeshkar, who underwent knee surgery at her ownhospital in Pune after suffering from chronic arthritis, said she is on her"way to recovery" and looking forward to singing again."Iwouldn't say I'm completely fit. But I'm on the way to full recovery,"79-year-old Lata said from her home on Peddar Road here.

"Chronic arthritis had done my kneesin. I was unable to walk. I was in constant pain. I had to get the operationdone as soon as possible. Doctors said my kneecaps had to be replaced. Butthere were chances that I may not fully recover."

Lata underwent surgery Jan 18 and got herkneecaps replaced by surgeon Hemant Wakankar in her Pune hospital. She returned herhome last week."I preferred to stay on in my hospital in Pune because ofthe number of people who kept inquiring at my residence in Mumbai and Pune. Iwant to assure them that I'm well and on the way to full recovery. The pain iscompletely gone. I'd need physiotherapy for another six months. But I haven'tfelt so good in a long time."

"I can't run right now. But I can walkand climb stairs, indulge in everyday routine activities that were gettingimpossibly difficult for me."Now, with her knee-trouble gone, the singeris getting ready to resume singing.

"I'm still asked to sing and that is a miracle. The good wishes of allmy fans, friends and my ancestors and specially my parents has kept me going sofar. Really, I'm blessed," said the singing diva.