Lata Mangeshkar’s niece remembers her on first death anniversary: ‘When my phone rings, I feel is it didi calling me?’

Lata Mangeshkar’s niece Rachana Shah has remembered the late singer on her first death anniversary. The legendary singer died at the age of 92 on February 6 last year. In a new interview, Rachana called her an ‘incredibly enormous force. She also said that when her phone rings, she feels it is the late singer calling her. (Also Read | Lata Mangeshkar features on Rolling Stone’s 200 Best Singers of All Time)

Considered one of the greatest playback singers in Indian cinema, Lata lent her voice to many songs in over a period of seven decades. She sang unforgettable songs, including Lag Jaa Gale, Mohe Panghat Pe, Chalte Chalte, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Ajeeb Daastaan Hai, Hothon Mein Aisi Baat, Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, Neela Aasman So Gaya, and Pani Pani Re.

Speaking with news agency PTI, Rachana said, “We are still unable to accept that she is no longer with us. It’s been one year and it seems all unreal and unbelievable. She was an incredibly enormous force and that can never diminish. We rather don’t want to come to terms with it (her death). Her voice lingers on throughout the day, her memories are there. Every time my phone rings, I feel, ‘Is it Didi calling me?'”

Rachana added, “(She was) a believer in God, she would do puja, her room was filled with the fragrance of incense. When you sat with her, you were at peace. She reflected that peace. She was a comfort for her family, friends, the staff and her numerous listeners. There was divinity in her voice. She never lost the connection till the last moment. Everybody was special, she had a large heart and she would give love to everyone.”

On her first death anniversary, celebrities also remembered Lata. Music composer Vishal Dadlani tweeted, “The voice of the universe, returned to the universe a year ago. #LataMangeshkar ji.” Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas wrote on Twitter, “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear. A year without you has felt like an eternity. Missing you always.”

Calling Lata ‘Swar Kokila’, Anup Jalota said the late music icon “raised the honor of India and Hindi music worldwide with her melodious voice”. Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar wrote, “Miss you @mangeshkarlata Didi #ImmortalLataDidi.”

Lata received several film awards and honours such as Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Dada Saheb Phalke Award, and multiple National Film Awards. She received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 2001.