A two-day national mourning will be observed with flag to fly at half-mast as a mark of respect, government sources have revealed following the death of singing legend Lata Mangeshkar, earlier today.
A state funeral will be held for the singer, popularly known as 'India's nightingale', said the officials.
The 92-year-old was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital last month after testing positive for Covid-19.
"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," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a series of tweets.
"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," he added.
The PM said that he considered it as his honour to receive "immense affection" from the late singer.
"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," he mentioned.
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. pic.twitter.com/N0chZbBcX6
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 6, 2022
President of India Ram Nath Kovind said that a "divine voice has gone quiet forever" but her melodies will remain immortal, echoing in eternity.
"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," tweeted the President.
"An artist born but once in centuries, Lata-didi was an exceptional human being, full of warmth, as I found whenever I met her. My condolences to her family and admirers everywhere," he said.
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. pic.twitter.com/rUNQq1RnAp
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 6, 2022
Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu stated that India has lost its voice in the death of Lata Mangeshkar.
"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," he tweeted.
भारतीय सिनेमा की सुर साम्राज्ञी लता मंगेशकर जी का निधन देश की और संगीत जगत की अपूरणीय क्षति है। लता जी के निधन से आज भारत ने अपना वह स्वर खो दिया है जिसने हर अवसर पर राष्ट्र की भावना को भावपूर्ण अभिव्यक्ति दी। उनके गीतों में देश की आशा और अभिलाषा झलकती थी। pic.twitter.com/K6NDlnh3jg
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) February 6, 2022
Home Minister Amit Shah said that Lata Mangeshkar's melodious and mesmerizing voice filled the lives of several generations not only in India but all over the world with the sweetness of Indian music.
"It is not possible to put into words her contribution to the music world. Her death is a personal loss for me," tweeted Shah.
मैं खुद को सौभाग्यशाली समझता हूँ कि समय-समय पर मुझे लता दीदी का स्नेह और आशीर्वाद प्राप्त होता रहा। अपने अतुलनीय देशप्रेम, मधुर वाणी और सौम्यता से वो सदैव हमारे बीच रहेंगी। उनके परिजनों व असंख्य प्रशंसकों के प्रति अपनी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूँ। ॐ शांति शांति pic.twitter.com/52fy46tOmE
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 6, 2022
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he was deeply saddened by the passing away of Bharat Ratna.
"She was the voice of the country ever since I can remember. This is truly the end of an era," he tweeted.
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar also paid his tributes to the late legend.
"Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hain, Gar Yaad Rahe… and how can one forget such a voice! Deeply saddened by the passing away of Lata Mangeshkar ji, my sincere condolences and prayers. Om Shanti," the actor tweeted.
