Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar (92), who passed away on Sunday morning in Mumbai, was popularly known as the ‘Nightingale of India’ for her melodious voice, which earned her several accolades. And with a musical career spanning many decades, Lata Mangeshkar has left behind a long list of iconic evergreen songs. But did you know that the veteran singer had started her career as an actor? Yes, you heard it right. With the responsibility of supporting her family post her father’s untimely demise in 1942, Lata Mangeshkar made her acting debut with Marathi film ‘Pahili Mangalaa-gaur’ at 13. She even lent her voice to the track ‘Natali Chaitraachi Navalaai’ which was composed by Datta Javadekar. And while fans are penning emotional messages in memory of their favourite singer, this video from Lata Mangeshkar’s movie has grabbed everyone’s attention and gone viral on the internet.

Master Vinayak Damodar Karnataki, a close friend of the Mangeshkar family, helped Lata step into the showbiz by offering her the opportunity to act and sing in his Marathi film ‘Pahili Mangalaa-gaur’. But despite her acting debut, Lata Mangeshkar, establish herself as one of the prominent figures in India’s music industry.

While the veteran singer’s funeral is expected to be held at Shivaji Park in Mumbai at 6.30 pm, PM Narendra Modi will also be attending it. Confirming the same, Modi tweeted, “Will be leaving for Mumbai in some time to pay my last respects to Lata Didi.”

Will be leaving for Mumbai in some time to pay my last respects to Lata Didi.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 6, 2022

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has declared a public holiday on Monday as a mark of respect to Lata Mangeshkar. “The state government has declared a public holiday in the state on Monday, February 7, 2022, to mourn the demise of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar,” he wrote. On the other hand, the state government has also declared a two-day mourning period during which the National Flag will be at half-mast throughout India.

The state government has declared a public holiday in the state on Monday, February 7, 2022, to mourn the demise of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar.

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) February 6, 2022

Cover Image: Twitter