Dubbed as the nightingale of India, her fabulously melodious voice graced thousands of films and became her true identity. In fact, that’s what she would always say: “I’m Lata Mangeshkar or meri pehchaan meri awaaz hai.”
True, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar who has sung for many decades enthralling the nation with her fabulous songs, was not only the pride of India, she was also recognized internationally too as one of the best singers in the Hindi film industry.
She passed away today at the age of 92. And it is truly the end of an amazing era. The veteran singer was admitted to a city hospital in early January this year after she tested positive for Covid-19 and was also diagnosed with pneumonia. Around January 28, she was taken off the ventilator, after she showed slight signs of improvement. However, on February 5, Lata Mangeshkar’s condition deteriorated and she was back on ventilator support. Unfortunately, she left for heavenly abode early this morning.
Top dignitaries, film stars, country heads and the grieving public paid rich tribute to the legendary singer. PM Modi flew to Mumbai to attend her funeral and he paid floral tribute to her and performed a parikrama of her mortal remains. The PM also expressed his condolences to Lata Mangeshkar’s sister, singer Asha Bhosle, and the rest of her family. He met Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who were also present at the venue. The mortal remains of Lata Mangeshkar were taken from her Pedder Road residence Prabhu Kunj to Shivaji Park, where her last rites will take place. Her body will be kept for the public to pay tribute.
Throughout her rich career she has won many prestigious awards including the National awards. She has also won many Stardust awards. The demise of the legendary Lata Mangeshkar is a huge loss for the nation. But her voice lives on in our hearts. Indeed, Lata didi, you will always be remembered!