Legendary Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar died Sunday morning following prolonged illness. She was in a Mumbai hospital when she breathed her last. Mangeshkar was hospitalised last month due to coronavirus symptoms.
Born on September 28, 1929, Lata took to singing as a career soon after the death of her father when she was just 13. Her younger sister Asha Bhosle is also a renowned singer. Mangeshkar never married or had any children.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief at her death. He wrote, “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 also shared pictures of an event when they were both in the same frame.
“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. Spoke to her family and expressed condolences. Om Shanti,” he added.
Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan tweeted, “Gulzar saab’s lines from the song हमने देखी है उन आँखों की: “न ये बुझती है, न रुकती है, न ठहरी है कहीं नूर की बूँद है सदियों से बहा करती है… …सिर्फ़ एहसास है ये रूह से महसूस करो” Lata Mangeshkar lives on!”