Lata Mangeshkar passes away: Her rendition of 'Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon' once moved Jawaharlal Nehru to tears

Lata Mangeshkar, often known as the "Melody queen of India", passed away aged 92 at Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital today (February 6), after testing positive for COVID-19.

Political dignitaries to known names from the Indian film and music industry and fans, all mourned Mangeshkar’s demise on social media. They shared their condolences as well as anecdotes of their favourite songs sung by the singer who died after a 28 day period of hospitalisation.

According to Press Trust of India, in her seven-decade long career, Mangeshkar’s sang over 20,000 songs in various Indian languages including the memorable patriotic tribute ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon’. In 1963, she performed the song in the presence of former Prime Minister Jawarharlal Nehru, who was moved to tears.

Some of the tracks from her Bollywood discography include 'Ajeeb Dastan hai Ye', 'Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya', 'Neela Asman So Gaya', among others. Her last full album was for the late filmmaker Yash Chopra-directed 2004 film Veer Zaara. In March last year, she released 'Saugandh Mujhe Is Mitti Ki', a dedication to the Indian Army.

It was announced that a two-day state of mourning will be observed to honour the singer’s legacy wherein the national flag will fly at half-mast throughout India.

Mangeshkar was the second female vocalist to have been honoured with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civil award, after MS Subbulakshmi. Her other accolades include Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Dada Saheb Phalke Award, and multiple National Film Awards.