Singing legend Lata Mangeshkar died on Sunday at a hospital here, her sister Usha Mangeshkar said.
"She is no more. She died in the morning," Usha Mangeshkar, the singer's younger sister, told PTI.
The 92-year-old singer tested positive for Covid with mild symptoms and was admitted on January 8 to Breach Candy Hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) where she was being treated by Dr Pratit Samdani and his team of doctors.
The government has announced two-day national mourning on the demise of legendary singer. The national flag will fly at half-mast for two days, as a mark of respect for the legendary singer.
Lata Mangeshkar’s mortal remains will be kept at Shivaji Park at 2:30 pm today for public darshan and the legendary singer will be accorded a state funeral later in the evening at 6 pm.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “anguished beyond words” over the demise of Lata Mangeshkar. He tweeted, “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.”
President Ram Nath Kovind mourned the demise of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. “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,” read the President’s tweet.
Mangeshkar's condition had improved in January and she was taken off the ventilator but her health deteriorated on Saturday.
The singer was also being treated for pneumonia. She recovered from Covid-19 and pneumonia on January 30.
On Saturday, several high-profile personalities visited the hospital including Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, and NCP leader Supriya Sule to check on the singer.
In November 2019, Mangeshkar was admitted to the same hospital after she complained of difficulty in breathing and was diagnosed with pneumonia. She was discharged after 28 days.
Born in Indore, Mangeshkar remained the voice of screen idols for generations. She began her career at the age of 13 in 1942 and had sung over 30,000 songs in several Indian languages in over seven decade-long career.
Her first breakthrough song, Dil Mera Toda, was for the film Majboor in 1948. In the following year, 1949, Lata Mangeshkar garnered massive popularity with the track Aayega Aanewaala from Madhubala-starrer Mahal. After this, there was no looking back for Mangeshkar, who went on to become the most iconic singer in Indian cinematic and music history.
Some of her most loved tracks were Ajeeb Dastan Hai Ye, Jab Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein, Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa To Nahin, Lag Jaa Gale, Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai, Tune O Rangeele, Aye Mere Wattan Ke Logo, Maye Ni Maye, Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye, Tere Liye, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
Her last full album was for the late filmmaker Yash Chopra-directed 2004 film Veer Zaara. Mangeshkar’s last song was Saugandh Mujhe Is Mitti Ki, which was released on March 30, 2021, as a tribute to the Indian Army. She was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour in 2001.
Lata Mangeshkar was also the recipient of several awards including Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Dada Saheb Phalke Award, and multiple National Film Awards.
