Lata Mangeshkar dies at 92: UAE's music lovers mourn singer who touched generations with her songs

UAE-based fans of Lata Mangeshkar are mourning the death of the singing legend who inspired generations with her music in a career spanning seven decades.

Jogiraj Sikidar, founder of Malhaar Centre for Performing Arts, Dubai, recollected his childhood days of hearing the singer’s melodious voice through the audio cassette often played by his father.

“My father had a cassette of her live concert with Dilip Kumar saab at London’s Royal Albert Hall. I was five years old then. I remember the opening song: ‘Chalte Chalte Yun Hi Koi Mil Gaya Tha’ from the movie Pakeezah,” said the 49-year-old Indian from the state of Assam.

On the day of her death, Sikidar has mixed feelings: one of mourning and celebrating the life of ‘the Nightingale’.

“For a musician or a music lover, Lata Mangeshkar will remain immortal. I am blessed to be born in an era when she was living, in the same country and as a musician who is learning every day from her music,” said the IIM – Ahmedabad alumni, who left his lucrative job to pursue his call of life: music.

“Lata Mangeshkar has taught us all to lead a meaningful and purposeful life. You should impact others with your life, otherwise it is meaningless.”

The singer’s followers transcend borders and art curator Ayesha Imtiaz from Pakistan’s Rawalpindi is one of them. Dubai-based Ayesha underlined that it was the end of an era of music and felt like losing a family member.

“Probably heard her voice more than anyone else’s throughout our lives. She will always stay alive through her voice,” she said.

Mangeshkar was her father’s favourite artist and noted the singer was able to bridge the gap between countries, cultures and relationships.

“When he (father) passed away last year, I would listen to Lata ji’s songs to recall his presence and cry. Her songs were a bridge between many relationships.”

Saddened by the loss, singer Neha Pandey said Lata Mangeshkar has left an irreplaceable void.

“Losing such a legend is very sad. She made India proud as well. She was ‘the Nightingale’. I don’t think anyone has taken her place till date. She has inspired so many young artists. She has sung for so many generations, which I don’t think anyone has done as a singer. She was an epitome of a true singer.”

Neha also regrets that her dream of meeting the legendary singer personally will remain unfulfilled.

“I didn’t get an opportunity to interact with her. It was a dream, which hasn’t come true. We have lost a gem,” Neha added.

Ammar Ben Aziz, Tunisian media producer and a music enthusiast, said that Mangeshkar did not leave a void in India only, but in all parts of the world, including the region.

(With inputs from PTI)