India lost its Nightingale, the iconic singer Lata Mangeshkar. Didi as she was called, including by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, breathed her last on February 6 at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. She was admitted after contracting Covid-19. Hers was a voice that enthralled, entertained, and inspired generations of singers and masses alike. From `Rahein na Rahein Hum` to `Lag ja Gale` to `Ae Mere Watan ke Logon,` Lata`s songs have been the epitome of singing in India. She was known as Melody Queen of India and she was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India`s highest civilian honor, the Padma Bhushan, the Padma Vibhushan, the DadaSaheb Phalke Award, and multiple National awards. India declared a two-day “state mourning”. Lata Mangeshkar had a prodigious, almost eight-decade career in which she sang an estimated 27,000 songs in as many as 36 Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and Kannada, and across classical and other genres. Many celebrities paid their last respects. The singer`s mortal remains were shifted from her Peddar Road residence to Shivaji Park, where she was cremated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the funeral. Modi took to Twitter and wrote “I am anguished beyond words. The kind and caring Lata Didi has left us. She leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled. The coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture, whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerize people”. President Ram Nath Kovind said “Lata-Ji`s demise is heartbreaking for me, as it is for millions the world over. In her vast range of songs, rendering the essence and beauty of India, generations found expression of their innermost emotions. As Bharat Ratna, Lata-Ji`s accomplishments will remain incomparable”. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said she remained the most beloved voice of India for many decades, and added that her immortal golden voice will continue to echo in the hearts of her fans. Amitabh Bachchan in his blog paid his last respects, saying "She has left us. The voice of a million centuries has left us, her voice resounds now in the Heavens! Prayers for calm and peace…”. Actor Waheeda Rehman, who danced to Mangeshkar`s playback song most memorably in “Guide” in “Aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai”, and “Piya tose naina laage re”, said there was magic in her voice. Actor Shabana Azmi said, “Lataji ..our national treasure no more ..her voice lit up our lives, gave us solace when we were sad, gave strength when we were low thank you Lataji and RIP.” Director SS Rajamouli also expressed his condolence. He tweeted, ” Lata Ji`s passing away is a huge and irreplaceable loss. She will live on in our hearts forever. My heartfelt tribute to the nightingale of India. May her soul rest in peace. Wishing the family strength and comfort in these difficult times. Mangeshkar started training in singing at the age of five. Her last song, presumed to be lost, was released last year in October, 79 years later. Mangeshkar`s unforgettable songs include `Lag Jaa Gale`, `Mohe Panghat Pe`, `Chalte Chalte`, `Satyam Shivam Sundaram` , `Ajeeb Daastaan Hai`, `Hothon mein aisi baat`, `Pyar kiya to darna kya`, `Neela asman so gaya`, `Pani Pani Re`. India`s Parliament paid homage to her and adjourned for an hour in her memory.