Tributes poured in for veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar from several quarters, including political leaders and members of the Tamil film fraternity, who hailed her as an icon and said her death had left a huge void.
The Chief Secretary informed all the officials across the state that, in honor of the late dignitary, the Government of India had decided that there would be two days of state mourning across the country from 6 to 7 February. “The national flag will be flown at half-mast across India during the days of mourning,” he said.
Governor RN Ravi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late singer. Chief Minister MK Stalin said, “With his career spanning eight decades, he has touched the heart of every Indian with his melodious performances in different languages.”
Music maestro Ilaiyaraaja said, “In the history of Indian film music of the last six or seven decades, Lataji enthralled the world with her divine voice.”
Recalling his association with the singer, composer AR Rahman said that she was not just a singer or an icon, but a part of India’s consciousness. “I was lucky enough to record a few songs and sang with her,” he said.
Among the songs they worked on together was the very popular ‘Lukka Chuppi’ from the film ‘Rang De Basanti’. Singer Chinmayi Sripada shared a picture of the veteran singer clicking a picture from the time he was working on the music of Mr Rahman and lyricist Prasoon Joshi’s film.
“I don’t think many people know now that she loved photography. She is said to have had a pretty great collection of professional cameras,” she recalled.
AIADMK coordinator O. Panneerselvam said the veteran singer impressed everyone with her melodious voice and expressed her condolences.
TNCC President KS Alagiri also expressed condolences.
MDMK general secretary Vaiko said, “His voice will continue to enchant the generations to come even after many centuries.”
“The void left by them will be difficult to fill,” said Nawab Mohammad Abdul Ali, Prince of Arcot.
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