TRIBUTES poured in from all corners of the society after legendary Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away on Sunday (6) at a hospital in the western Indian city of Mumbai.
Indian president Ram Nath Kovind and prime minister Narendra Modi mourned the artiste’s death who was put on ventilator support after her health condition deteriorated on Saturday (5). She was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital last month after testing positive for Covid-19 and diagnosed with pneumonia. Her doctor said she died of multi-organ failure.
“Lata-ji’s demise is heart-breaking 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 inner-most emotions. A Bharat Ratna, Lata-ji’s accomplishments will remain incomparable,” president Kovind wrote on Twitter along with a photo with the veteran playback singer.
“An artist born but once in centuries, Lata-didi was an exceptional human being, full of warmth, as I found whenever I met her… My condolences to her family and admirers everywhere,” he said in another post.
Modi also shared a photo with Mangeshkar and said the legendary singer’s demise leaves a void that can’t be filled.
“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 mesmerise people,” he wrote.
“Lata Didi’s songs brought out a variety of emotions. She closely witnessed the transitions of the Indian film world for decades. Beyond films, she was always passionate about India’s growth. She always wanted to see a strong and developed India,” he added.
Policemen stand outside the residence of late Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar in Mumbai on February 6, 2022. She died at the city’s Breach Candy Hospital the same day. (Photo by SUJIT JAISWAL/AFP via Getty Images)
In another post, the prime minister said he spoke with Mangeshkar’s family and expressed his condolences. 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,” he said.
Indian vice president Venkaiah Naidu also tweeted his condolences, saying that he is extremely saddened by Mangeshkar’s death.
“India has lost its voice in the death of Lata ji, who has enthralled music lovers in India & across the globe with her mellifluous & sublime voice for many decades,” the leader said.
Nitin Gadkari, a central Indian minister who visited Breach Candy Hospital earlier in the morning, said Mangeshkar was a pride of India.
“She took the country to greater heights, all over the world with her singing. Her voice was magical. Her loss is humungous, it’s a void for all of us. I visited the hospital and had her darshan. It’s the end of an era,” he told reporters.
The Indian film industry, to which Mangeshkar had catered over the decades, also plunged into mourning over the news.
Among those who paid tributes to the icon are actors Shabana Azmi, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and filmmaker Hansal Mehta.
Calling Mangeshkar India’s national treasure, Azmi said her voice “lit up our lives, gave us solace when we were sad, gave strength when we were low”.
“Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hain, Gar Yaad Rahe’… And how can one forget such a voice! Deeply saddened by the passing away of Lata Mangeshkar ji, my sincere condolences and prayers,” Kumar tweeted.
Devgn wrote on Twitter, “An icon forever. I will always savour the legacy of her songs. How fortunate were we to have grown up listening to Lataji’s songs. Om Shanti. My deepest condolences to the Mangeshkar family.”
Mehta said the heavens are blessed to be in the company of the Nightingale of India. “The nightingale moves on. The heavens are blessed. There will never be another Lataji. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle said one of the greatest Indians has left us today. “Thank you for the songs, the memories, the pride we felt because of you. #LataMangeshkar,” he tweeted.
Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw also tweeted her condolences.
“She has silenced our lives with her passing Om Shanthi,” she tweeted.
Former India cricket captain Sachin Tendulkar, veteran actor Anupam Kher, lyricist Javed Akhtar and other personalities were seen visiting Mangeshkar’s residence to pay homage.
Regarded as one of Indian cinema’s greatest playback singers, Mangeshkar started her career at the age of 13 in 1942 and has sung over 30,000 songs in her career spanning several decades.
In her over seven-decade career, she has sung a host of memorable tracks, including ‘Ajeeb dastan hai ye’, ‘Pyar kiya to darna kya’ and ‘Neela asman so gaya’.
The singer was awarded with Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, as well as the Padma Bhushan, the Padma Vibhushan and the Dada Saheb Phalke Award.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.