‘Her voice transcended time’

Lata Mangeshkar with PM Narendra Modi, at a function in Mumbai, in 2014. Pic/Ashish Rane

Tributes poured in from politicians across the nation after Lata Mangeshkar passed away on Sunday. From the president of India to prime minister, Congress leaders and West Bengal chief minister, everyone took to social media to pay homage to the legendary singer.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: "I am anguished beyond words. The kind and caring Lata Didi has left us. She leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled. The coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture, whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people."

CM Uddhav Thackeray: "With the departure of Lata Didi, the era of Swar ended, a great festival came to an end..." CM Uddhav tweeted. "It is sad that Lata Mangeshkar has left us physically. She was a symbol of motherly blessing. Her voice has brought alive all situations in everyone's lives. Her voice broke the barriers of language, region, caste, creed and religion," the CM later said in a statement. "She was an avid photographer and had knowledge about good cameras and different lenses. We often discussed photography and she was present at my photo exhibitions to bless me. Recently when I was hospitalised, she enquired about my health." "Lata Mangeshkar is immortal," said Sanjay Raut in one of the several tweets paying tribute.

President Ram Nath Kovind: "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 innermost emotions. A Bharat Ratna, Lata-ji's accomplishments will remain incomparable," President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar: "The demise of Swarasamrajni, Gankokila, Bharat Ratna, Maharashtra Bhushan Lata Mangeshkar, who ruled the hearts of millions of fans for more than eight decades with her melodious songs, is a great loss to Maharashtra and the country. A heartfelt tribute to Latadidi!"

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi: "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."

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu: In a tweet V ice President Venkaiah Naidu said he was "extremely saddened" by the demise of "...the Nightingale of Indian Cinema and legendary singer. India has lost its voice in the death of Lata ji, who has enthralled music lovers in India & across the globe with her mellifluous & sublime voice for many decades."

Aaditya Thackeray: "One of the greatest Indians and most compassionate and loving souls, and the finest voice, @mangeshkarlata didi, departed for her heavenly abode this morning. Suddenly the world of music is devoid of its most beautiful personification. Om Shanti."

NCP chief Sharad Pawar: "Today, the supernatural voice that satisfies the ears of millions of music lovers around the world has disappeared. This voice will continue to resonate in our minds for eternity through the songs immortalized by the touch of Latadidi's voice A heartfelt tribute to Empress Lata Mangeshkar!"

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari: "Like all countrymen, her music has been very dear to me. Whenever I get time, I definitely listen to songs sung by her. May God give strength to the family members."

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari: "Lata Mangeshkar's music transcended the borders of region, language and time. It had the ability to invoke the Almighty God within. Maharashtra is justly proud that Lata ji belonged to the state. It is our good fortune that we are living in the same era in which Lata ji breathed and sang. On behalf of the people of Maharashtra, I offer my homage to legendary Lata Didi and convey my deepest condolences to her family and fans all over the globe."

Devendra Fadnavis: "By the demise of Bharat Ratna Lata Didi Mangeshkar, India not only has lost a voice, but the soul of Indian Music. God took back its beautiful gift to all of us. We lost Goddess of Indian Music. Hard to believe she's not with us. We have lost an integral part of our life."

Supriya Sule: "The news of the demise of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar (Didi), popularly known as ‘Gankokila', which has gained a foothold in the Indian community, is very painful. Latadidi had been hospitalized for the past few days. She was expected to recover and return. But destiny did not approve."

Pravin Darekar: "We have lost a pole star of the music world! With the demise of #GanSamrajni_Lata_Didi, not only Indians but the world has lost its enchanting voice. Even though Latadidi has passed away for the sake of worldliness, her memories will remain forever in the form of timeless melodies. A heartfelt tribute to Latadidi!"

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: "I pay my heart-felt tribute to the departed icon of India, Bharatratna Lata Mangeshkar. While offering my sincerest condolences to her family and the billions of admirers that she leaves behind all over the world, I express my deepest sadness at the demise of the genius that the Nightingale of India truly was. Like all her fans and followers across the planet, I was also mesmerised by her voice and renderings, and felt grateful that she held Bengal and the artistes of the East so dear to her heart and so integral to her magnificent world of music."

Ashok Chavan: "Passing away of veteran singer Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar is an inconsolable loss for the music world. Lata Didi will always be with us in the form of her voice and her smile. May her soul rest in peace. #LataMangeshkar."

Chandrakant Patil: "The voice of Swar Samrajni Lata Didi will forever be known around the world as India's identity. Today, Lata Didi must have met Goddess Saraswati in the same way at the door of heaven! A heartfelt tribute! #LataMangeshkar."

Prithviraj Chavan: "The sad demise of Bharat Ratna #LataMangeshkar is an irreparable loss to Indian Music. She has enriched many lives with her magical voice around the world. Her music would remain a treasure for generations to come.

Amit Deshmukh: "The news of the demise of Swarsamrajni, #Bharatratna Lata Mangeshkar ji is very sad, a heartfelt tribute to her! May her family and fans have the strength to endure this ordeal. Today, the supernatural voice of Latadidi, which enchants all the fans, has been lost."

Congress leader Sachin Pilot: "Such sad news. She brightened the lives of generations of Indians with her soul catching melody and songs. Her voice was just pure gold. We'll miss her but her songs shall live forever. May her soul Rest In Peace. Om Shanti."

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi: "Received the sad news of the demise of Ms. Lata Mangeshkar ji, who had chosen to decorate the notes in the garden of Indian music. Hee death has caused an irreparable loss to the Indian art world. May God give give courage to the family..."