India on Sunday mourned the loss of its singing legend and one of the world's biggest music icons Lata Mangeshkar, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu leading in paying condolences and tributes to the “Queen of Melody” in a series of tweets.
"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," the President said in a Twitter post.
The President also mentioned:
"She was truly a musical Ratna and had ruled the Hindi Cinema like a Queen for several decades. She has been the favourite and most sought after female playback singer of music composers.
"Following her foray into playback singing way back in the 1940s, she achieved first major breakthrough in Mahal movie in 1949. Lata ji became an overnight singing sensation with the song Aayega Aanewala and there was no looking back for her after that.
"Lata ji was honoured with Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, even as accolades and awards poured her way from India and abroad.
"From bhajans to romantic numbers to patriotic songs, she has recorded thousands of songs in Hindi and other Indian and foreign languages.
"With a heavy heart, I convey my profound condolences to the bereaved family members and her fans across India and the globe.”
The prime minister said the coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture, whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people. He paid homage to the singing legend in a series of tweets:
"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."
"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."
"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."
The vice-president also expressed profound grief on the passing away of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. Condoling the death of the ‘Nightingale of India Cinema’, Naidu said that “India has lost its voice in the death of Lata Ji”.
“I am extremely saddened by the demise of Lata Mangeshkar Ji, the Nightingale of Indian Cinema and legendary singer. India has lost its voice in the death of Lata ji, who has enthralled music lovers in India & across the globe with her mellifluous & sublime voice for many decades,” Naidu tweeted.
Lata Mangeshkar tested positive for COVID-19 with mild symptoms in early January, following which she was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai, where she diagnosed with pneumonia. After weeks of treatment, the singer passed away in the hospital early Sunday due to multiple organ failure, family sources said. She was 92.
"Lata di died at 8.12 am due to multi organ failure after over 28 days of COVID-19 diagnosis," Dr Pratit Samdani, who was treating the singer at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, told reporters.
The singing legend started her career in singing in 1942, and has been honoured with several awards and honours, including Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Bharat Ratna, Dada Saheb Phalke Award, and multiple National Film Awards.
Altogether, she had sung 25,000 songs in 36 Indian languages. Some of her popular songs includes 'Neela aasman so gaya', 'Lag Jaa Gale', 'Hothon mein aisi baat', 'Mohe Panghat Pe', 'Chalte Chalte', 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' , 'Ajeeb Daastaan Hai', and 'Pyar kiya to darna kya'.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also expressed his grief at the sad loss in a post in Twitter.
"Deeply saddened on hearing the demise of legendary singer, #LataMangeshkar Didi. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and to all her admirers in this difficult time. Her legacy will continue to live in our hearts. Om Shanti!" Biren tweeted.
Also Read: Lata Mangeshkar dies at 92; Prime Minister Narendra Modi expresses deep grief
