India is in mourning the death of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. Mangeshkar, who passed away earlier in the day aged 92 at Mumbai’s breach candy hospital after a month-long battle with COVID-19.
Following her death, reactions have poured in from across the world with various prominent personalities paying tribute to Mangeshkar. Even the sporting fraternity has sent its condolences with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Virender Sehwag writing heartfelt words.
Pakistan cricket team’s captain Babar Azam has become the latest to pay tribute with a touching post on his social media accounts. Azam called it as an ‘end of a golden era’ and called Mangeshkar as an ‘unparalleled icon.’
Azam wrote on his Twitter account, “End of a golden era. Her magical voice and legacy will continue to live in the hearts of millions worldwide. An unparalleled icon! RIP Smt. Lata Mangeshkar Ji.”
Mangeshkar’s funeral is set to take place in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park at 6:30 PM IST on Sunday evening. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the city to pay his tributes.
The ‘Nightingale of India’ had a special connection with cricket was known to be a big fan of the game. Following India’s historic victory at the 1983 Cricket World Cup under Kapil Dev’s leadership, she had organised a special concert to raise funds for the team which ensured every member of the squad was paid Rs. 1 Lakh. She also owned a signed photograph of Don Bradman.
On Sunday, the Indian cricket team is wearing black armbands as a tribute to Mangeshkar during the first ODI of the three-match series against West Indies in Ahmedabad. Both the Indian and West Indies teams observed a minute’s silence before the start of play.
Mangeshkar had a career that was longer than seven decades and was awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna award in 2001.