Bollywood’s legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar was admitted to a city hospital early last month after she tested positive for Covid-19 and also diagnosed with pneumonia. She was shifted to the ICU and put on the ventilator. After a few days, the 92 year old singer’s condition seemed to be improving but in the last few days her health had deteriorated again and she was put on the ventilator. She passed away this morning. Her sister Usha Mangeshkar confirmed the news, “Yes Lata didi has passed away. I am at the hospital.” 

Lata didi as she was fondly called has sung for thousands of songs in Hindi films and sung for over 36 Indian languages as well as foreign languages. Her first Hindi song was "Mata Ek Sapoot Ki Duniya Badal De Tu" for the Marathi film Gajaabhaau. Her first big break in Bollywood was the song ‘Dil Mera Toda, Mujhe Kahin Ka Na Chhora’ from the film Majboor in 1948. But her first major hit was ‘Aayega Aanewaala’ from the 1949 film Mahal. 

Some of her unforgettable songs in Hindi cinema include Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo, Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai, Gata Rahe Mera Dil, Hoton Pe Aisi Baat, Tu Jahan Jahan Chalega, Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha, Dil Hoom Hoom Kare, Dekha Ek Khwab, Din Maheene Saal, Kahin Na Ja, among many many others. Her most recent hits include ‘Kaise Piya Se’ for Bewafaa (2005), Dil To Pagal Hai, Kitne Ajeeb Rishte Hain Yahan Par" for Page 3 (2005), "Daata Sun Le" for Jail (2009), among others. Her last recorded song was ‘sauganth mujhe is mitit ki’ as a tribute to the Indian Army that released on 30th March 2019.

With India’s highest honours like Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and many other awards and achievements in her seven decade long career, Lata didi was a real gem to India and Indian cinema. Her demise is a huge loss for the entire nation. The singer’s mortal remains will be taken to Mumbai’s Shivaji Park before the last rites. Team IFH offers their heartfelt condolences to the family.