India’s nightingale dies aged 92
Mon 7 Feb 2022 12:00 AM Last updated on: Mon 7 Feb 2022 00:00
Lata Mangeshkar has been the face of Indian music for over 7 decades.
“>
Lata Mangeshkar has been the face of Indian music for over 7 decades.
“I will continue to sing until my last breath. We Mangeshkars are a family devoted to music. Take the music out of our lives, and we are nothing.”
Lata Mangeshkar to Indian media in 2018
At the end of the Saraswati Puja celebrations, the world suffered the irrevocable loss of the “Saraswati” of music the next morning.
For all the latest news, follow the Daily Star’s Google News channel. Lata Mangeshkar, the indomitable Indian singer, died at 8.12am yesterday at the age of 92 from post-covid complications.
She left behind a legacy of over 30,000 songs in 36 different languages.
Curiously, it is not for this reason that she is considered one of the greatest musicians of all time – her longevity, her exceptional humility, her conviction and her divine voice have made her incomparable. For more than 7 decades, she was the top singer in a country where music is held in high esteem. His achievements had earned him the nickname “Nightingale of India”.
India declared a two-day national mourning following the news, and its national flag would fly at half mast.
“I consider it an honor to have always received immense affection from Lata Didi,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter. “My interactions with her will remain unforgettable.”
“A great void has been created in the musical arena of the subcontinent with the demise of Sursamraggi,” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said in her message of condolence.
Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle shared a deep bond and friendly rivalry.
“>
Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle shared a deep bond and friendly rivalry.
Taken on the day of Lata Mangeshkar’s first recording: September 9, 1938. Photo taken from Instagram.
“>
Taken on the day of Lata Mangeshkar’s first recording: September 9, 1938. Photo taken from Instagram.
People all over the world, regardless of national borders, paid tribute to the singer on social media. From actors and artists to politicians and cricketers, the whole world was heartbroken.
Lata Mangeshkar was born on September 28, 1929 to Marathi musician Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar and Shevanti in Indore. She was the eldest of her siblings Meena Khadikar, Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeshkar and Hridaynath Mangeshkar.
Before getting noticed as a singer, Lata had faced the camera as an actress. She worked as an actress in more than eight films from 1942 to 1948.
Lata Mangeshkar with SD Barman.
“>
Lata Mangeshkar with SD Barman.
Lata Mangeshkar’s first song “Nachu Yaa Gade, Khelu Saari Mani Haus Bhaari” for the Marathi film “Kiti Hasaal” (1942) was deleted from the final cut of the film.
His first Hindi song was “Mata Ek Sapoot Ki Duniya Badal De Tu” for the Marathi film “Gajaabhaau”, in 1943.
She didn’t have to look back after that as she became the biggest name in the music industry, not only Bollywood but also lent her divine voice to regional films. She has also produced the music for 5 films.
India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was in tears after listening to Lata’s rendition of “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon”.
“>
India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was in tears after listening to Lata’s rendition of “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon”.
Lata Mangeshkar’s rendition of “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon, Zara Aankh Me Bhar Lo Pani” moved India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to tears in 1962.
Some of his signature songs are “Lag Jaa Gale”, “Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hain”, “Ajeeb Dastan Hain Ye”, “Baahon Mein Chaale Ao”, “Meere Khwabon Mein Jo Aayein”, “Kora Kaagaz Tha”, among many others.
Among countless other accolades, Lata Mangeshkar has received three national awards, the Padma Bhushan Award in 1969 and the Padma Vibhushan Award in 1999.
Lata Mangeshkar, on several occasions, had said that if she could, she would continue to sing until her last breath. Lately, the legend had reservations about the direction Bollywood had taken in terms of music, but continued to sing in other mediums.
Lata Mangeshkar (2nd from right) with her family.
“>
Lata Mangeshkar (2nd from right) with her family.
Words will never be enough to sum up the legacy of Lata Mangeshkar, as noted by eminent Indian lyricist Javed Akhtar. “If there is anything called perfection, Lata Mangeshkar has achieved it,” he told the media yesterday.
Lata Mangeshker was not just a musician; she was the personification of music. As the world bids farewell to its physical existence, it can never truly die as an entity, as an institution.
