Legendary playback singer known as Bharat Kokila Bharat Ratan Lata Mangeshkar passes away. She was suffering from COVID 19 and going undertreatment at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. She was 92 years old. Her 30000 songs were recorded in over thirty-six Indian languages.
But her work in Bollywood made her a national icon. After M.S. Subbulakshmi she is second lady singer, awarded Bharat Ratan the highest Indian civilian reward. She was nominated as Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from 22nd November 1999 to 21st November 2004.
In 1972, Lata Mangeshkar won the first National Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the film Parichay. Over the years, the veteran singer won numerous national and international awards including the prestigious Bharat Ratna, the title of Officer of the French Legion of Honour, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, three National Film Awards, four Filmfare Best Female Playback Awards, Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award and many more. In 1984, the State Government of Madhya Pradesh instituted the Lata Mangeshkar Award, while the Government of Maharashtra also instituted a Lata Mangeshkar Award in 1992 to promote singing talent.
At the age of five, she started working as an actress in her father’s musical plays in the Marathi language. At the age of 13, her singing carrier started with Navyug Chitrapt movie company and her first song was “Naachu Yaa Gade, khelu Saari Mani Haus Bhaari” composed by Sadashivrao Nevrekar for Marathi Movie Kitti Hasaai. The song was dropped from the final cut.
Lata Ji will be always remembered for her melodious voice and her contribution to stalwart Indian culture. The Indian government has announced two-day national mourning in her memory. As a mark of respect, the national flag will fly at half-mast for two days.