Nation bids tearful adieu to Nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar: Mortal remains consigned to flames with full state honours PM pays last respects to the Legendary Singer

      Legendary singer Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar, who died early today after weeks of hospitalisation, was cremated with full state honours at Mumbai's iconic Shivaji Park this evening bringing an end to a splendid and decorated career in playback singing and Bollywood. She was 92.
   Just before the last rites, the National Flag in which the body was draped, was handed over to the family members. Lata Mangeshkar's brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar lit the funeral pyre of the singing legend.
  Prime Minister, Shri  Narendra Modi visited the Shivaji Park to pay his last respects to the singer and met the Mangeshkar family members and consoled them.
   Lata Mangeshkar passed away at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai today. The veteran singer, popularly known as the Melody Queen had been admitted to hospital on 8th January after having tested positive for COVID-19. Government has announced a two-day national mourning in memory of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar.
      Expressing his condolences, President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind said in a tweet: 'Lata-ji's demise is heartbreaking for me as it is for millions the world over. A Bharat Ratna, Lata-ji's accomplishments will remain incomparable.'
       Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in his tribute said that he has always received immense affection from Lata Didi and that interactions with her will remain unforgettable. In a tweet, the PM said: "Lata Didi's songs brought out a variety of emotions. She closely witnessed the transitions of the Indian film world for decades.'
      Lata Mangeshkar was born on September 28, 1929, to a Marathi and Konkani musician Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar. Originally named Hema, she was the eldest of five siblings, including veteran singer Asha Bhosle. Her father Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar was a classical singer and theatre actor.
     Lata Mangeshkar recorded her first playback song for a Marathi film, Kiti Hasaal, at the age of 13, and even acted in a Marathi film, Pahili Mangalagaur in the year 1942. In  1946, she recorded her first Hindi film playback song for Aap Ki Seva Mein, directed by Vasant Jogalekar.
      In 1972, Lata Mangeshkar won the first National Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the film Parichay. Over the years, the veteran singer won numerous national and international awards including the prestigious Bharat Ratna, the title of Officer of the French Legion of Honour, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, three National Film
Awards, four Filmfare Best Female
Playback Awards, Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award and many more. In 1984, the State Government of Madhya Pradesh instituted the Lata Mangeshkar Award, while the Government of Maharashtra also instituted a Lata Mangeshkar Award in 1992 to promote singing talent. ( PIB)