India is mourning the death of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, who passed away at Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital at the age of 92. Her funeral will be held in Mumbai on Sunday evening at 6.30 pm with full state honours. The government has announced that national flags will be flying at half mast in her honour.
Reacting to her death Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter, “I am anguished beyond words. The kind and caring Lata Didi has left us. She leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled. The coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture, whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “Lata Mangeshkar ji’s demise. She remained the most beloved voice of India for many decades. Her golden voice is immortal and will continue to echo in the hearts of her fans. My condolences to her family, friends and fans.”
President Ram Nath Kovind wrote, “An artist born but once in centuries, Lata didi was an exceptional human being, full of warmth, as I found whenever I met her. The divine voice has gone quiet forever but her melodies will remain immortal, echoing in eternity. My condolences to her family and admirers everywhere.”
Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman shared a throwback photo of himself with Mangeshkar as he wrote, “Love, respect and prayers @mangeshkarlata.”
Mangeshkar had tested positive for coronavirus and developed symptoms of pneumonia last month, leading to her hospitalisation in Mumbai.
Magheshkar was the daughter of Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar and Shevanti Mangeshkar. She was born on 28 September 1929 in Indore in Madhya Pradesh. She started singing professionally at the age of 13 soon after her father’s death as the responsibility to earn livelihood for her mother and four siblings fell on her shoulders.
She achieved stardom in the Hindi film industry where her career spanned over seven decades. Called India’s nightingale, Mangeshkar sang thousands of songs for films in different languages. Some of her famous songs included Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon, Ye Galiyan Yo Chaubara, Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna hai, Lag Jaa Gale and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham among others.