Lata Mangeshkar: Pakistan mourns demise of India's nightingale

Lata Mangeshkar, the colossal vocalist who dominated playback singing in Bollywood for nearly three-quarters of a century, passed away in Mumbai on Sunday, February 6, reported The Indian Express. She was 92.

Mangeshkar, who was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2001 for her contribution to Indian music, more particularly in films, had been detected with Covid-19 on January 11 and had to be admitted to Breach Candy's ICU. Her sister confirmed the death to PTI.

The global star's demise was mourned by Indian and Pakistani celebrities as well as politicians. Fawad Hussain took to Twitter and grieved the demise of the legendary singer. "A legend is no more," the PTI leader penned. "Lata Mangeshkar was a melodious queen who ruled the world of music for decades she was the uncrowned queen of music. Her voice shall keep ruling the hearts of people for all times to come."

Actor Adnan Siddiqui, too, expressed sorrow over Mangeshkar's passing away. "Irreparable loss to the music world. Grew up on her unforgettable melodies. Nightingale of India, the void you have left can never be filled," the actor shared.

Meesha Shafi wrote, "Supreme reigning voice of a century. RIP, Lata Mangeshkar."

Imran Abbas shared a photo of the late singer with her autograph. "Darkest day in the world of music. The nightingale of India is no more," he commented. "Her voice was a blessing of God for the whole universe and her contribution to our memories is certainly incomparable."

Abbas went on to add, "Today marks the end of an era. Lata Ji! You vanquished our hearts for decades and would always be ruling as a queen of melody for the years to come. Goodbye, Lata Mangeshkar. May God looks over you." He concluded, "Sharing the pic of her biographic calendar she signed for me."

Former supermodel Nadia Hussain Khan penned Mangeshkar's song and added, "Sadly that voice has gone to sleep forever."

Salman Ahmed added, "The great, nightingale and legend of India, Lata Mangeshkar has passed on. Her silky voice swept up a multitude of emotions, styles, genres and languages. There will never be another like her. RIP Lataji."

Resham, on Instagram, posted, "A chapter has ended."

Veteran actor Bushra Ansari shared the regret of not meeting the late star. "I couldn't meet you," she penned.

Saheefa Jabbar Khattak shared, "Heartbroken to hear about our collective loss this morning, of losing the voice of our generations past - may the spirits carry you home, Lata Jee!"

"Anyone else humming Lata Jee songs today? She made the world a better place and we will enjoy her music for years. Thank you, Ma’am. Rest Well," shared Ushna Shah.

PR mogul Frieha Altaf shared, "Gutted! What a woman, what a voice! Lata ji, you blessed us with so much song, you may be gone but your music and voice will remain eternal."

Saba Qamar remarked, "Thank you for all the beautiful songs Lata Mangeshkar. My condolences to her family, friends and fans."

Shehzad Roy added, "A legend Lata Mangeshkar left us. One can’t express in words the extent of her talent. Bob Marley was born today. Feeling overwhelmed."

Ali Zafar shared a video of his take on one of Mangeshkar's tracks. Words cannot define a legend like Lata Mangeshkar Ji. Only music can perhaps whisper to her everlasting greatness," the singer added, "Re-sharing a humble tribute. May God bless her soul in eternal peace."

Lata: A prolific singer

A recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke award in 1989, Lata Mangeshkar recorded songs for over a thousand Hindi films, apart from singing in about 36 languages, though primarily in Hindi and Marathi.

In 2001, in recognition of her contributions to the nation, she was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour and is only the second vocalist, after M S Subbulakshmi, to receive this honour. France conferred on her its highest civilian award, the Officer of the Legion of Honour, in 2007.

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