'An artist born but once in centuries:’ Politicians, Bollywood stars pay rich tributes to ‘Queen of Nightingale’
Narendra Modi, Amitabh Bacchan (C), Sachin Tendulkar (R) and his wife Anjali attend the state funeral ceremony of Lata Mangeshkar in Mumbai on Sunday. AFP
Here are some reactions to her death:
RAM NATH KOVIND, PRESIDENT OF INDIA
"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 inner-most emotions. A Bharat Ratna, Lata-ji's accomplishments will remain incomparable."
"An artist born but once in centuries, Lata Didi was an exceptional human being, full of warmth, as I found whenever I met her. The divine voice has gone quiet forever but her melodies will remain immortal, echoing in eternity. My condolences to her family and admirers everywhere."
NARENDRA MODI, PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA
"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."
"Lata Didi's songs brought out a variety of emotions. She closely witnessed the transitions of the Indian film world for decades. Beyond films, she was always passionate about India's growth. She always wanted to see a strong and developed India."
"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."
IMRAN KHAN, PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN
"With the death of Lata Mangeshkar the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known. Listening to her songs has given so much pleasure to so many people all over the world."
HAMID KARZAI, FORMER PRESIDENT OF AFGHANISTAN
"With her voice Lata Mangeshkar filled millions of hearts with joy. Her melodies are universal and forever. My profound condolence to her family and the people of India. May the nightingale of India Rest In Peace."
RAHUL GANDHI, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, INDIA
"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."
AMITABH BACHCHAN, VETERAN BOLLYWOOD ACTOR
"She has left us .. The voice of a million centuries has left us .. her voice resounds now in the Heavens! Prayers for calm and peace."
A R RAHMAN, OSCAR- AND GRAMMY-WINNING MUSIC DIRECTOR
"Love, respect and prayers."
ANIL KAPOOR, ACTOR
"Heartbroken, but blessed to have known & loved this incredible soul ... Lata-ji holds a place in our hearts that will never be taken by anyone else. That's how profoundly she has impacted our lives with her music. May she rest in peace & light up the heavens with her brightness."
SALMAN KHAN, ACTOR
"(You) will be missed our nightingale. But (your) voice shall live with us forever."
KARAN JOHAR, FILMMAKER AND TELEVISION PERSONALITY
"Today heaven truly gained the voice of an angel. I grew up listening to Lata-ji's song and as I mourn her loss today - I know with absolute confidence ... she has left an indelible mark on our Indian culture for many generations to come.
"Thank you for making an entire nation swoon with your pure voice. RIP"
THE BOARD OF CONTROL FOR CRICKET IN INDIA
"The Indian Cricket Team is wearing black armbands today to pay their respects to Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar-ji who left for her heavenly abode on Sunday morning. The queen of melody, Lata Didi loved cricket, always supported the game and backed Team India."
VIRAT KOHLI, CRICKETER, FORMER INDIAN CAPTAIN
"Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Lata-ji. Her melodious songs touched millions of people around the world. Thank you for all the music and the memories. My deepest condolences to the family & the loved ones."
FARHAN AKHTAR, ACTOR AND FILM DIRECTOR
"So this is what it feels like to lose a part of a nations source of collective pride and joy. It hurts and leaves an indelible void. Sad, sad day. RIP Lata-ji."
Reuters
