President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders have condoled the death of legendary singer Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar.
President Kovind in his condolence message said Lata-Ji’s demise is heartbreaking for himself as it is for millions the world over. He said, in her vast range of songs, rendering the essence and beauty of India, generations found expression of their innermost emotions.
A Bharat Ratna, Lata-Ji’s accomplishments will remain incomparable.
Vice President, M. Venkaiah Naidu said India has lost its voice in the death of Lata ji, who has enthralled music lovers in India and across the globe with her mellifluous and sublime voice for many decades.
Prime Minister Modi said Lata Didi’s songs brought out a variety of emotions and she closely witnessed the transitions of the Indian film world for decades. Mr Modi said, beyond films, she was always passionate about India’s growth and always wanted to see a strong and developed India.
Prime minister in his tribute said, he has always received immense affection from Lata Didi and interactions with her will remain unforgettable. Mr Modi said, she leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled and the coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture, whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people.
Home Minister, Amit Shah said with her melodious and mesmerizing voice, she has filled the lives of every generation not only in India but all over the world with the sweetness of Indian music. Surface transport minister Nitin Gadkari her music has been very dear to him.
BJP President JP Nadda said it is an irreparable loss to the entire art world.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said her golden voice is immortal and will continue to echo in the hearts of her fans.
Union government has decided that as mark of respect two days of state mourning will be observed. During state mourning national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the country and there will be no entertainment.
Lata Mangeshkar was born on September 28, 1929, to a Marathi and Konkani musician Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar. Originally named Hema, she was the eldest of five siblings, including veteran singer Asha Bhosle.