A two-day national mourning has been declared following the death of Lata Mangeshkar; the flag will fly at half-mast. Known as India’s nightingale, who was in the ICU due to COVID-19 complications, died at age 92. Mangeshkar had lent her voice to generations of Bollywood actors from Madhubala to Preity Zinta. She has sung tunes evoking various emotions from the classical Mohe Panghat Pe to the romantic Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Ye and the seductive Baahon me Chale Aao.
President Ram Nath Kovind said, Mangeshkar is “an artist born but once in centuries, Lata didi was an exceptional human being, full of warmth.” PM Narendra Modi said, “Coming generations will remember Lata Mangeshkar as stalwart of Indian culture, whose voice had unparalleled ability to mesmerise people.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “her golden voice is immortal and will continue to echo in the hearts of her fans. She remained the most beloved voice of India for many decades.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut wrote, “An era has ended.” In another tweet he wrote,"Tere bina bhi kya jeena" (what is life without you). Union Minister Nitin Gadkar said, “melody queen Lata Mangeshkar's demise was a big shock for everyone, but her voice will continue to live on.”
Home Minister Amit Shah said, “her voice filled the lives of every generation not only in India but across the globe. Lata didi, with her melodious and mesmerising voice, has filled the lives of every generation not only in India but all over the world with the sweetness of Indian music. Om Shanti.”
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari said, “her music transcended the barriers of region and language and had the ability to invoke the God within.”
