India’s legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away due to a multi-organ failure in Mumbai on Sunday morning. Mangeshkar, who was known as the ‘Queen of Melody’ and the ‘Nightingale of India’, breathed her last at 8:12 am in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. She was tested positive for COVID-19 in early January.
Dr. Pratit Samdani, who was treating her, met the media outside the hospital on Sunday morning. He said, “It is with profound grief that we announce the sad demise of Lata Mangeshkar at 8:12 AM. She has died because of multi-organ failure after more than 28 days of hospitalization post-COVID-19.”
Having led an eventful and rich life of several milestones, Lata Mangeshkar was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1990. For her contribution to Indian music, she also was conferred with Padma Bhushan in 1969 and Bharat Ratna in 2001. She began her career as a singer back in 1942 and never looked back. Mangeshkar had an extraordinary career spanning over half a century, singing more than 30,000 songs across 36 languages.
Several politicians, Bollywood, and television stars paid their heartfelt condolences on social media. In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “ 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 mesmerize people.”
“I consider it my honor that I have always received immense affection from Lata Didi. 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 said in another tweet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Mumbai this afternoon (4.30 pm) to pay his respects to Lata Mangeshkar.
The Government of India has announced two-day national mourning in memory of the legendary singer of India. The National Flag will fly at half-mast from February 6 to 7 throughout India.
The last rites with full State honors will be conducted at the Shivaji Park in Mumbai at 6.30 pm today.