Lata Mangeshkar (1929-2022)

Nightingale of India – Lata Mangeshkar Passes Away

Lata Mangeshkar, after deteriorating health, breathed her last on Sunday (06-Feb-2022) morning. She is undoubtedly one of the biggest cultural icons of India.

For more than 7 decades till now, Lata Mangeshkar has been synonymous with artistic talent and excellence. She made her impact on Indian music and can be unequivocally called an exceptional vocalist. She is one of the greatest Indians of all time.

She was elected as the member of Rajya Sabha on November 22, 1999 with the support from the BJP. She was part of the House till November 21, 2005.

The 1929-born singer was titled as”Nightingale of India”. Lata Mangeshkar achieved the nationwide fame and went on to dominate Indian playback singing for 50 years continuously with her mellifluous voice. Her song “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo” which was first performed on January 26, 1963 in the memory of the dead Indian soldiers during 1962 India-China War touched the heart of millions.

During her lifetime, Mangeshkar earned many titles including the highest Bharat Ratna in 2001. As a matter of fact, Lata is one of the 5 only women who received this highest Indian Award. India’s highest award in cinema – Dadasaheb Phalke Award is also included in her titles list.

Many people in and around her call her “Didi” (Sister).  Her public appearances were always non-glamorous. She was seen only in off-white sarees with her hair tied in a long plait or sometimes in two plaits. This resembles her simplicity and down-to-earth attitude.

As a matter of fact, Lata’s real name was Hema Hardikar. Mangeshkar was born in Indore in a Sikh neighbourhood and raised in Kolhapur in a musical family. Her father Master Dinanath Mangeshkar was a musician from Gwalior gharana who ran a drama company and was Lata’s first guru.

The last rites with full state honours was conducted at Shivaji Park at 6.30 pm. A 2-day national mourning was announced by the Central government. Lata Mangeshkar lives on for generations as she is an emotion for Indians.

Prominent Leaders express their grief and consolences

Veteran BJP leader Lal Kishan Advani –

Lata Mangeshkar left an indelible mark of excellence in the world of music and recalled that the Ram bhajan she had recorded in her voice became the signature tune of his ‘Ram rath yatra’ in 1990.

Narendra Modi –

I consider it my honour that I have always received immense affection from Lata Didi. My interactions with her will remain unforgettable. I grieve with my fellow Indians on the passing away of Lata Didi.

Lata Didi’s songs brought out a variety of emotions. She closely witnessed the transitions of the Indian film world for decades.

Rahul Gandhi –

Received the sad news of 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.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla –

I express deep grief on the demise of ‘Swarkokila’ Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Ji. Her songs connected people all over the world with India, breaking the barriers of language. Her demise is an irreparable loss for the whole nation,

Amitabh Bachchan –

Voice of a million centuries has left us,

Tributes pour in from chief ministers of various states after legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar breathed her last in Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital on Sunday.

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