Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was among the many people who paid tribute to Lata Mangeshkar, mentioning the legendary singer led a life dedicated to music.
“Lata Mangeshkar is no more. Generations of Indians loved listening to her songs. They remain evergreen. She led a life dedicated to music. Condolences to her family and all lovers of music,” the finance minister tweeted on Sunday.
Two days of national mourning will be observed with the national flag will flying at half-mast in memory of Mangeshkar, India’s enduring singing legend through the decades. She was 92 and is survived by her four siblings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “anguished beyond words” over the demise of Mangeshkar. He tweeted: “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.”
President Ram Nath Kovind mourned the death of Mangeshkar. “Lata-ji’s demise is heart-breaking for me, as it is for millions the world over. In her vast range of songs, rendering the essence and beauty of India, generations found expression of their inner-most emotions. A Bharat Ratna, Lata-ji’s accomplishments will remain incomparable,” read the President’s tweet.
On January 8, Mangeshkar tested positive for Covid with mild symptoms and was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) where she was being treated by a team of doctors.
On Saturday, several high-profile personalities, including Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, visited the hospital to check on the singer’s health. She was the first-ever Indian singer to have performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1974.
Born in 1929, Mangeshkar began singing at the age of 13 in 1942 and had sung more than 30,000 songs in 36 languages in over seven decade-long career.
Some of her most loved tracks were ‘Ajeeb Dastan Hai Ye,’ ‘Jab Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya,’ ‘Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa To Nahin,’ ‘Lag Jaa Gale,’ ‘Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai,’ ‘Aye Mere Wattan Ke Logo,’ ‘Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye,’ and ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’.
Mangeshkar was also the recipient of several awards including Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Dada Saheb Phalke Award, and multiple National Film Awards.
