If life is a song Lata Mangeshkar is the voice of it. The legendary singer, who became the golden voice of Indian music in front of the world, passed away at the age of 92. Time might have stood still when the great singer, who mesmerized, delighted and influenced listeners, breathed her last. The songs of Lata Mangeshkar had covered every aspect of human emotions. The only relief for us at this moment is that we can continue to hear her voice that has not been affected by the seasons of age.

Lata Mangeshkar, who has sung nearly 40,000 songs in over 35 languages, reigned as the queen of Indian music for nearly 8 decades. She had the subtle voice of eternal love. In that way, there was no other singer before or after her. Her voice was a gift from God. Her voice became a relief for farmers, soldiers and lovers. According to music critics, Vividh Bharati would not have survived if not for the songs of Lata Mangeshkar.

Lata Mangeshkar began her musical journey during a period when the music industry was filled with great composers, great lyricists and great musicians. Soon, she conquered the hearts of millions and went on to become the 'Nightingale of India.'

Lata Mangeshkar was born in Indore in Madhya Pradesh as the daughter of Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar and Shevanti. Her father was a musician and a Marathi theatre artist. Lata was named "Hema" at her birth. Her parents later renamed her Lata after a female character, Latika, in one of her father's plays. Deenanath adopted the surname Mangeshkar in order to identify his family with his native town of Mangeshi, Goa. Everyone in the family was connected to music. Lata's siblings Hridayanath, Meena, Usha and Asha were singers. Among them, Hridayanath and Meena were music composers. Lata has also composed music for some films. She learnt the basics of music from her father. When Lata was 13 years old, her father died. Following this, she had to take care of the family. She had to go through various difficulties and sufferings before succeeding as a singer.

Lata sang her first song in a Marathi film 'Kiti Hasaal. However, the song was not featured in the film. Later, she was offered a small role in a Marathi movie "Pahili Mangalaa-gaur". She also sang a song in this film. Her first song in the Hindi language was 'Maata Tere Charnon Mein' from the film 'Badi Maa' in 1945. Music director Ghulam Haider gave her her first major break with the song 'Dil Mera Toda, Mujhe Kahin Ka Na Chhora' in the movie Majboor (1948), which became her first big breakthrough film hit. Then came 'Aayega Aanewaala,' a song in the movie Mahal (1949), composed by music director Khemchand Prakash and picturised on actor Madhubala. Lata's voice stood out at a time when singers like Noorjahan, Shamshad Begum and Surayya sang. Lata's songs went on to become huge hits. Soon, her sister Asha Bhosle followed her footsteps and became a playback singer.

Lata had sung for a wide range of composers such as Noushad, Anil Biswas, Shankar - Jaikishan, SD Burman, Madan Mohan, Salil Chowdhury, Jaidev, Lakshmi Kant Pyare Lal, Bhupen Hazarika and AR Rahman. Her song ‘Ae mere watan ke logon’, which was sung in honour of Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the 1962 war with China, had even moved PM Jawaharlal Nehru to tears. It was Nehru who addressed her as 'Nightingale of India'. Her only song in Malayalam was 'Kadali Chenkadali' from the film 'Nellu' directed by Ramu Kariat.

The nation bestowed her with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. She received several film awards and honours like Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Dada Saheb Phalke Award, and multiple National Film Awards. She had also served as a Rajya Sabha MP. PM Modi flew down to Mumbai and paid last respects to the legendary singer.

Lata Mangeshkar was an era. Although that period is passing away, the songs of Lata will continue to influence the people of the country. We are offering our respects before the memories of the immortal singer.