On a sombre cold Sunday morning, India woke up to the devastating news of the demise of the 'Nightingale of India', Bharat Ratna and legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, due to multiple organ failure at Breach Candy Hospital, in Mumbai.
Like the personification of the melody itself, Lata Mangeshkar had the power in her voice to unite the whole world, every religion and every language. And as the queen of melody breathed her last at the age of 92 on February 6, the entire world is shaken with grief. Tributes poured in from every corner of the world.
Heartfelt messages from the UK fraternity
With all major British media covering the loss of the legend, some of the social media messages from the British Indian fraternity that stood out:
British Indian singer Navin Kundra was covered by BBC news remembering Lata Mangeshkar. "I think she had the voice of the Goddess. I remember hearing her for the first time, as my father had the song playing, and her voice pulled on my heartstrings, took my breath away. She is India's nightingale; she is loved all over the world. Her legacy is truly unparalleled. She has sung over 25 thousand songs!" Navin told the BBC.
Celebrated British Indian pianist Rekesh Chauhan paid his condolences on his social platform, "You'll always remain in our hearts. We've been beyond blessed in our lives to have lived in an era to hear your voice. My condolences."
MORE LIKE THIS:
The Goddess has transcended to her eternal abode
It was the day after Basant Panchami, the day of worshipping Goddess Saraswati in most parts of India and by Indian communities abroad.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a video message that the person whose voice carried the blessings of Goddess Saraswati for one and all has now merged with the Goddess herself.
He also tweeted, "I consider it my honour 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. Om Shanti."
"How do I introduce someone who is not just the nation but the voice of the world?
"I also believe that music and God have a very special connection. And the wire that connects the two is Lata Mangeshkar. She is truly an avatar of Saraswati," Amitabh Bachchan said.
Alka Yagnik said, "I'm out of the country presently. Also in no frame of mind to talk just yet about this. I am devastated. This is personal grief for me.
"May my dearest Didi rest in eternal peace. I will be living the rest of my life with her voice, and with the invaluable moments I shared with her, with every breath I take."
Shreya Ghoshal: "Feeling numb. Devastated. Yesterday was Saraswati Puja & today Ma took her blessed one with her. Somehow it feels that even the birds, trees & wind are silent today."
MORE LIKE THIS:
India observed National Mourning
The last rites of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar were conducted at Shivaji Park on February 6, in Mumbai, with full state honours.
"Lata-ji's demise is heartbreaking 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 innermost emotions. A Bharat Ratna, Lata-ji's accomplishments will remain incomparable." President of India Tweeted.
Both the Houses of Parliament of India were adjourned for specific hours to condole singer Lata Mangeshkar's demise.
Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu paid tribute to the legendary singer and a former Member of the House, Lata Mangeshkar, by making an obituary reference. Rajya Sabha members also observed a minute's silence as they paid tribute to the legendary singer.
Most Indian states have followed suits and observed two days of state mourning as a mark of respect. The National Flag was flying at half-mast during these two days.
Bombay High Court suspended all its judicial proceedings on February 7 at all its benches.
In the ongoing first ODI against West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the Rohit Sharma-led team was sporting black armbands in memory of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, according to BCCI.
MORE LIKE THIS:
Forever gracious
Dr Pratit Samdani, who had been treating Lata Mangeshkar for the past three years, said, "I will remember her smile for the rest of my life. Even in her final moments, she had a smile on her face."
