The news agency ANI reported that two-day national mourning will be observed by the Indian government in memory of the legendary singer. As a mark of respect, the tricolour will also be flown at half-mast for 2 days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was amongst the first to share the sad news of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar’s death and said he is “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,” he tweeted.
Her songs brought out a variety of emotions, PM Modi said. “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 added.
The megastar was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital on January 8 after she was diagnosed with COVID-19 and pneumonia. Though having recovered from COVID, the singer was put on ventilator support after her condition worsened on Saturday.
PM Modi said, “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.”
Describing Lata Mangeshkar as “the voice of million centuries”, megastar Amitabh Bachchan paid homage to the singing legend who passed away on Sunday.
Mangeshkar (92) died at a hospital in Mumbai around 8.12 am due to multiple organ failures.
Bachchan took to his personal blog to bid adieu to the melody queen.
“She has left us .. The voice of a million centuries has left us .. her voice resounds now in the Heavens !” he wrote.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said Lata Mangeshkar 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. My condolences to her family, friends and fans,” he tweeted.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, after visiting the Breach Candy Hospital, tweeted, “The country’s pride and music world’s Shirmor Swar Kokila Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar ji’s demise is very sad. My heartfelt tribute to the holy soul. Her passing is an irreparable loss to the country. She was always an inspiration to all the music seekers”.
