Lata Mangeshkar  |  Photo Credit: PTI
New Delhi: Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, who breathed her last on Sunday, had seen 18 Prime Ministers of India – from first prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru to current PM Narendra Modi.
Interestingly, Queen Elizabeth II, 95, who is now the world’s longest-reigning monarch, has so far seen 14 US Presidents since Harry S Truman. She has met every US President till date except for President Lyndon B Johnson.
The 92-year-old iconic singer passed away in a hospital in Mumbai. The music legend was cremated in Mumbai with full state honours.
The melody queen was admitted on January 8 to Breach Candy Hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) after testing positive for coronavirus with mild symptoms.
There was an improvement in her health condition in January and she was taken off the ventilator but her health deteriorated on Saturday. She died Sunday morning.
Expressing grief over her death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that she leaves behind a void in the nation that cannot be filled, and the coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people.
Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister said, “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. Spoke to her family and expressed condolences. Om Shanti.”
A two-day state mourning will be observed on February 6 and 7. The national flag will fly at half-mast on Sunday and Monday throughout India and a state funeral will be accorded to her.
Prime Minister Modi attended her funeral.