Rani Mukerji: Lataji is an institution and this is truly the end of an era

Legend has it that filmmaker Yash Chopra never made a movie without celebrated singer Lata Mangeshkar. Mourning her demise, the late director’s daughter-in-law and Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji shared, “Lataji is an institution and this is truly the end of an era.. though she is no more, her voice is immortal and will stay with us forever. Lataji was truly gifted and blessed, people would often say that goddess Saraswati resides in her voice and what a coincidence that she left us one day after Basant Panchami.She has left a big void in all our lives as India has lost its nightingale. She is and always will be remembered as one of the most integral people in the history of Indian cinema.”

Sharing her experience of collaborating with the veteran singer, Rani added, “Every actor past and present dreamt of lip syncing to her voice and in my career I had the good fortune of being able to do that in my film ‘Mujhse Dosti Karoge’. I will always cherish the memories I have of meeting her and getting her blessings through my career, she was kindhearted and always exuded warmth, there was truly an aura around her and when we met she greeted us with so much love. We as an industry can now celebrate her life and thank her for the countless memories and songs she has left us with. Rest in peace Lataji……. Love you.”

Lata Mangeshkar passed away on February 6. She was hospitalised in January after she tested positive for Covid-19 and was also diagnosed with pneumonia. Dr Pratit Samdani confirmed her demise and said, “It is with profound grief that we announce the demise of Lata Mangeshkar at 8:12am. She has died because of multi-organ failure after more than 28 days of hospitalisation post #COVID19.” The veteran singer will be cremated with full state honours at Mumbai's Shivaji park.