Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar dies at 92

The veteran singer was being treated for Covid-19 and pneumonia symptoms for over a month.

The singer, referred to as the Nightingale of India, was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital in January with Covid-19 and pneumonia.

Her symptoms were mild but she was kept in ICU due to her age. Over the weeks, Mangeshkar showed signs of improvement but on Saturday, she was put back on the ventilator after her health deteriorated.

Joining the nation in mourning her demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the singing legend leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled.

"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," PM Modi said.

In an emotional tweet President Ram Nah Kovind wrote: "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."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condoled the demise and tweeted: "Received the sad news of Lata Mangeshkar ji’s demise. She remained the most beloved voice of India for many decades. Her golden voice is immortal and will continue to echo in the hearts of her fans. My condolences to her family, friends and fans."

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, after visiting the Breach Candy Hospital, tweeted, "The country's pride and music world's Shirmor Swar Kokila Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar ji's demise is very sad. My heartfelt tribute to the holy soul. Her passing is an irreparable loss to the country. She was always an inspiration to all the music seekers".

The legendary singer had recorded songs in over a thousand Hindi films and has sung songs in over thirty-six Indian languages and foreign languages, though primarily in Hindi and Marathi.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was bestowed on her in 1989 by the Government of India.

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.

She is the recipient of three National Film Awards, 15 Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards, four Filmfare Best Female Playback Awards, two Filmfare Special Awards, Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award and many more. In 1974, she became the first Indian to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, London.