India’s legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital today, following multiple organ failure.
Known as the ‘Nightingale of India’, Mangeshkar was admitted to the hospital in January after being diagnosed with pneumonia and testing positive for Covid.
She was on the ventilator for weeks. She was taken off the ventilator on January 28 as she showed signs of improvement. However, her health deteriorated yesterday ultimately leading to the demise of one of the greatest Indian singers of all times.
Lata was visited in the hospital by her sister Asha Bhosle, brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar, MNS president Raj Thackeray, NCP MP Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s wife Rashmi.
The singer was born in 1929 in Madhya Pradesh. Daughter of Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar and Shevanti Mangeshkar, Lata belonged to a musical family. Her father was a well-known Marathi musician and theatre artiste. She was first tutored by her father and later appeared as a child artiste in several of his plays, the Indian Express reported.
Lata Mangeshkar recorded her first Hindi song called “Mata Ek Sapoot Ki Duniya Badal De Tu” for the Marathi feature Gajaabhaau, which had released in 1943. Later, she went on to collaborate with some of the most popular names of the Hindi music industry, including the likes of Anil Biswas, Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad Ali and SD Burman among others.
She has lent her voice to songs in Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, and other regional languages. She has been honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan as well as several National and Filmfare Awards.
Lata will be given a state funeral. The public darshan is set to be held in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray has instructed to cremate Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar in a state funeral, according to a tweet from the CMO’s official Twitter account.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut was among the first top politicians to share the news on social media. Taking to Twitter, he wrote in Marathi, “The era is over.”
“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,” wrote Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter.
“Lata Didi’s songs brought out a variety of emotions. She closely witnessed the transitions of the Indian film world for decades. Beyond films, she was always passionate about India’s growth. She always wanted to see a strong and developed India,” he wrote.
“Extremely saddened to learn about the unfortunate demise of veteran singer, Bharat Ratna #LataMangeshkar Ji. Our prayers to God for the departed soul & to provide strength to the bereaved family. Her songs will echo in the hearts of music lovers till eternity. Om Shanti,” read a tweet from the official Ministry of Culture- Government of India account.
“Deeply saddened by the news of @mangeshkarlata Ji’s passing away. She leaves behind a huge legacy of songs which will be treasured for generations to come.May her soul rest in peace. Condolences to the family. #NightingaleofIndia #LataMangeshkar,” tweeted film producer Boney Kapoor at the news of her passing.
“Nightingale of India, one of the greatest Legends #Lata Didi is no more.HeartbrokenThe vacuum due to this colossal loss can never be filled. She lived an extraordinary life.Her Music lives on & will continue to cast a spell until Music is there! Rest in Peace,” wrote actor Chiranjeevi Konidela.
“She sounded like an angel and now she becomes one. Rest in peace Lata Didi. Everlasting Peace,” said actor Boman Irani.
“R.I.p #LataMangeshkar ji
You will always be India’s pride and your voice will always be part of our lives and homes forever and ever…End of an Era,” said Genelia Deshmukh.
“A very sad day and a huge loss for all of us, her fans. Your contribution will live on forever ma’am. My condolences to the family and all her fans across the world. Om Shanti,” tweeted Bhumi Pednekar.
“The Nightingale of India, a voice which has resonated with, brought joy and happiness to millions around the world leaves. Heartfelt Condolences to her family and fans. Om Shanti,” cricketer Virendar Sehwag wrote.
“There will never be another Lata Didi. End of an era as a Nightingale and jewel of India, Bharat Ratna #LataMangeshkar ji leaves her mortal body, but she will live on in the hearts of generations to come through her soul stirring music. May her soul attain Sadgati. Om Shanti,” tweeted former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad.
“In grief. In agony. One of the greatest Indians has left us. Thank you for the songs, the memories, the pride we felt because of you,” said Harsha Bhogle.
In 1987, she received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. France conferred its highest civilian award, the Officer of the Legion of Honour, on her in 2007.
She had received three National Film Awards, 15 Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards, four Filmfare Best Female Playback Awards, two Filmfare Special Awards, Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, among others. She became the first Indian to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, London in 1974.