Kamla Persad expresses grief after India’s nightingale Lata Mangeshkar passed away

Trinidad and Tobago: On Sunday morning, India’s legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar breathed her last. Many prominent leaders expressed condolences and remembered the late singer.

The leader of the opposition, Kamla Persad Bissessar, also took a moment to express the sadness and mentioned, “I am saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary singer, Lata Mangeshkar. Her music has touched the heart of millions around the world, including myself.”

“The Nightingale’s music of love will live on for generations to come. Condolences to family and friends during this time of mourning,” she further wrote.

Mangeshkar was born on September 28, 1929. Indians fondly call her Lata didi, and she was also regarded as Nightingale of India and Queen of Melody. The late singer started her career in Hindi cinema from 1943 film “Gajaabhaaue” from the song “Mata Ek Sapoot Ki Duniya Badal De Tu”.

Lata Mangeshkar had recorded songs in more than 36 languages, including a few foreign languages. However, her primary language was Hindi, Bengali (language spoken in West Bengal), and Marathi (language spoken in Maharashtra).

As she started her career as a singer, there was no look back. She achieved numerous honours and awards from the government of India; in 1987, she achieved Dadasaheb Phalke, and in 2001 she became the second Indian female singer to receive India’s highest civilian honour, “Bharat Ratna”. In 2007, she was honoured by France by its highest civilian award – Office of the National Order of the Legion of Honour. Mangeshkar also received the three National awards. In 2012, she was 10th “Greatest Personality,” according to the pool by Outlook’s magazine.

Apart from singing, Lata Mangeshkar also worked as a music producer and music director.

The Nightingale of India died on February 6, 2022, at 8:12 am, reportedly due to Multi-Organ Dysfunction Syndrome. She was hospitalized on January 8 after testing positive for the COVID-19.