Lata Mangeshkar- The Nightingale of India who sang over 30,000 songs in her illustrious career

Picture Courtesy: Mid-day Archives

India woke up to a sombre Sunday today. Veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar breathed her last today at the age of 92. Mangeshkar was admitted in Mumbai's Breach Candy hospital in early January this year after she tested positive for Covid-19. Till last evening, it was said that she was tolerating the aggressive procedures.

Mangeshkar, known as Nightingale of India, started her singing career in 1942. With over 30,000 songs over seven decades, she is considered an institution in herself. She was honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 2001, Padma Vibhushan in 1999, and the Padma Bhushan in 1969. In 2009, she was the recipient of ‘Officier de la Legion d'Honneur', which is France's highest civilian award. She is also the recipient of several National Awards as well as the Dada Saheb Phalke award. Mangeshkar is among the world's most recorded artistes. She was also the first Indian vocalist to perform at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1974.

Born on September 28, 1929 to Konkani musician Deenanath Mangeshkar and Shevanti. She was the oldest of the siblings, Meena Khadikar, Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeshkar and Hridaynath Mangeshkar. The cremation is expected to happen at 6.30 pm in Shivaji Park.