PANAJI
Expressing their deep sorrows on the passing away of the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, artists, singers and musicians in Goa have paid their tribute to this melody queen.
“One cannot say ‘She is no more’. The Rev Bhagwad Geeta says no one dies. Lata Mangeshkarji’s singing voice remains immortal. She will live on forever through the hundreds of most popular songs. Many tried to imitate that melodious voice but none could. An unforgettable and inimitable singer. Thankful that she got to witness and receive the biggest of laurels and awards she was honoured with including the ultimate ‘Bharat Ratna’ Award,” states noted Goan singer Hema Sardesai.
Theatre director, actor and professor in Theatre Arts at Kala Academy, Afsar Hussain recalls, “Our entire generation grew up with her beautiful voice. We have lost a legend in the world of music.”
“Lataji was not only a kalakaar, she was a chamatkar (not only an artist, but pure magic) as artists are born every day, but magic like Lata happens only once in a lifetime. God had sent her to us to perform for us in this life, but made sure she had done her ‘riyaz’ for two births up there, before performing here,” feels Atul Date, son of legendary singer Arun Date who was Lata’s contemporary.
Calling her Sur Saraswati (Goddess of melody) film actor Damodar Dicholkar pays tribute saying, “A divine voice has vanished from the earth making a void in the lives of each music lover. She left leaving only her songs behind for us to listen and enjoy for years to come.”
“Lata’s voice is immortal. Her songs taught the 90’s generation to love the old classics from Bollywood music. And it didn’t stop there. She even sang songs in the films when we were growing up. She was a legend and shall remain one,” shares actor-singer Tanvi Bambolkar, assistant professor at Government College, Quepem.
“A rare voice that had the power to stir up a multitude of emotions within a single song,” said Bina Datwani, a performer with Goa University Choir, theatre artist and writer from Goa.
Saish Deshpande, theatre director, musician and academician in Goa says, “The voice that vibrated in three-and-half saptak always remained 100 percent musical. This legacy is just divine. There’s no single moment on this planet when Lata Didi’s songs are not playing. “We have lost the emotional connect to the music, a rarity these days in the new breed of commercial singers. Lata will live through her songs,” shares Fine art photographer Payal Kakkar who has grown up listening to Lata’s legendary voice.
“It might be a cliché to say this, but the demise of Lata Mangeshkar marks the end of a golden era in Indian cinema music in particular, and music in general. I grew up listening to her on the radio and in cinema halls. We came to recognise and love the distinctive timbre of her voice. I’d recognise it anywhere. All the accolades given to her, ‘Nightingale of India’, ‘Queen of Melody’, ‘Voice of the Millennium’, scarcely begin to do her justice. Her loss will be deeply felt. May she rest in peace!” stated Dr Luis Dias, musician, writer and founder of Child’s Play India Foundation that helps children in Goa to blossom in music.
“What a musical life, immortal! Lataji will remain a divine genius,” exclaims Amitava Bhattacharya, founder director, Banglanatak.com
“Lata Mangeshkar’s demise is heart-breaking for music lovers across the world. In London she had a vast following. Her accomplishments will always remain incomparable. An artist born but once in a lifetime Lata was an exceptional talent. The divine voice has gone quiet forever but her melodies will remain immortal,” said cultural activist Marius Fernandes.
Noted Goan singer Dilip Vaze said, “A musical era has ended. Decades will pass away but Lata Didi’s voice shall remain immortal. Her voice is eternal just like her song ‘Naam Gum Jayega’ (the name shall disappear). Her songs will play a soothing tone to every generation. Her demise has made many hearts cry on earth, but gods and goddesses in heaven will be anxious to listen to her melodious voice.”
Vinayak Khedekar, writer, folk-lorist and Padma Shri awardee from Goa recalls Lata’s visit to his home. “A life that was devoted and dedicated forever to music has come to an end. Her journey was melodious, yet hard. We will miss her.”
