New Delhi: Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away on Sunday, February 6, due to multiple organ failure. The entire nation is mourning the demise of Swar Kokila Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar ji.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the death of the iconic singer.
An old conversation of the Prime Minister with Mangeshkar is doing the rounds on social media after her death. The interesting conversation dates back to September 2019, when the Prime Minister had called Mangeshkar to wish her ahead of her 90th birthday.
Modi spoke with Mangeshkar over telephone before leaving for the United States for the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2019.
The Prime Minister had shared his telephonic conversation with Mangeshkar, affectionately called Lata didi, during an episode of Mann Ki Baat.
Addressing the nation in the episode, Modi had said: "It was like a younger brother talking lovingly to his elder sister."
He said that even at this age, "Lata Didi so keenly focuses on matters concerning the country".
Here are some interesting excerpts from the conversation.
Modi began the conversation by saying, "Lata Didi Pranam! I am Narendra Modi speaking."
He told Mangeshkar that he had called her this time as he will be in flight on her birthday, and so, thought of wishing her in advance.
He said: "Wishing you good health, may your blessings be upon us. With these wishes, I have called you before leaving for America."
Then, the singer asked Modi about when he will return, to which the Prime Minister replied that he will return on the intervening night of September 28 and 29, and by that time, her birthday would have passed.
Then, Mangeshkar sought the Prime Minister's blessings.
Modi replied: "Oh, we seek your blessings, you are elder to us."
Responding to Modi, Mangeshkar said: "There are many who are older than us but important are the blessings of the ones who have done great service."
Modi said: "Didi you are elder by age as well as by your accomplishments, and you have achieved all this through dedicated hard work."
The singer replied that she thinks it is all due to the blessings of her parents and the love of the listeners. "I am nothing," she said.
Modi responded: "It is this humility that inspires us, despite achieving so much, you have not forgotten your humility and values."
He further said: "I feel elated when you say with pride your mother was Gujarati."
The Prime Minister said that whenever he visited Mangeshkar, she always offered him some Gujarati dish.
Praising Modi, Lata said: "You yourself do not know who you are. I know that the picture of India has started changing ever since you arrived on the scene, and this gives me immense happiness."
The Prime Minister replied: "You have always inspired me. I continue to get your letters and gifts. This family-like affection gives me special happiness."
Lata Didi said: "When I saw you seeking the blessings of your mother, I also sent someone to her and sought her blessings."
Modi replied: "Yes, my mother remembered it and had told me about it."
The Prime Minister said that his mother was very happy to get Mangeshkar's love and affection.
Modi further said: "I am deeply grateful to you for your concern about me. Once again, I wish you a very happy birthday."
The Prime Minister said that he will come to meet the legendary singer very soon and will have some Gujarati dish prepared by her, to which Mangeshkar replied, "Surely, it will be my privilege."
Watch the video here: