Shilpa and Abhirup Jamkhandikar

MUMBAI (Reuters), – Prime Minister NarendraModi declared that Lata Mageshkar, India’s most beloved cultural icon, and a singer who has influenced music and melody for thousands of Indians, had died on Sunday.

Her four sisters survived her at the age of 92. Mangeshkar died without being identified. Mangeshkar was infected with COVID-19 and was taken to the hospital Jan. 11.

Mangeshkar has been heard on television, in crackly airwaves, and at movie theatres throughout independent India for over three quarters century. This made her the voice of choice and earned her the title “the Nightingale”.

According to Reuters TV partner ANI, two days of mourning will be held with half-mast flag flying.

“I am anguished beyond words,” Modi wrote https://twitter.com/narendramodi on Twitter (NYSE:).

“The caring and kind Lata didi has passed away. Her absence leaves an unfilled void in the nation. Her melodious voice and unceasing ability to inspire people will remain in the minds of future generations.

Mangeshkar, a pre-independence Indian native, was born 1929 and began singing as a teenager. In 73 years, she has sung more than 15,000 songs across 36 languages.

Her lilting voice, sheer range and ability to sing everything (from patriotic songs through romantic numbers) enthralled Indian music-mads.

Mangeshkar was born in Bollywood, where there were six or more songs to choose from and the narration of everything was done with a song – this was her first job.

Many other Bollywood politicians and personalities offered their condolences.

Mangeshkar, a classically trained singer, adapted her voice to Bollywood movie roles. She even sang songs in her 60s in support of an actress in her 20s.

Songs with vulgar lyrics or cabaret numbers were the only ones she would not sing. She later stated that they did not reflect her personal values. However, Mangeshkar and her younger sister Asha Bhosle dominated Hindi cinema for nearly five decades.