When Lata Mangeshkar sang Garhwali folk song
MUSSOORIE/DEHRADUN : Expressing shock and grief over the demise legendary singer and Bharat Ratna awardee Lata Mangeshkar, Uttarakhand’s art fraternity recalled her singing a Garhwali song that has become a cultural treasure for the people of the Himalayan state.
Garhwali filmmaker from Mussoorie Pradeep Bhandari said Lata Mangeshkar had sung a Garhwali song for film titled “Raibaar” that was written by Devi Prasad Semwal. “We feel honoured that she lent her voice to our folk song. It is our cultural treasure and a gift for generations to come.”
Semwal, writer of the Garhwali song that was sung by Lata Mangeshkar, said,” I was 32 years old when I went to Mumbai with our team to record the song with Lata ji who readily agreed to record the song ‘Man Bharmegai, Meri Sudh Budh Khwegai’ for our film ‘Raibaar’ that was released in 1990. And it is the only song sung by her in Garhwali language.”
Semwal said during the recording of the song, the entire team of Raibaar was excited. “We were nervous too but Lata ji made us comfortable and after a rehearsal for nearly two hours, she recorded the song in Garhwali in a flawless manner,” he said. Anil Godiyal, cultural activist from Mussoorie, said, “It is an irreparable loss for music lovers around the world.”
Pritam Bhartwan, noted folk singer from Uttarakhand, said, “I am deeply shocked and still in disbelief that one the iconic singer of our country is no more. The void created due to her passing away will not be filled in the decades to come.”
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he was deeply saddened by the news Lata Mangeshkar’s demise. “She was always an inspiration to the music seekers and her passing away is an irreparable loss to the country. I pray to God to give place to the virtuous soul at his feet and give strength to the family members to bear this loss”, he said.
Former CM Harish Rawat said Lata ji enchanted crores of people with her vocals for decades. He said, “And today when Swar Kokila Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar is no more, every Indian’s eyes have been filled with water. There are crores of people in the world who have listened to her voice with joy… their eyes are moist today …I am also paying my respects to her… Lata ji you are immortal , your songs…your voice…are immortal. Om Shanti.”
Former chief minister Maj Gen BC Khanduri (retd) said, “Lata ji leaves a void in our nation that will never be filled.”
In line with the Centre’s decision, the state also declared twoday state mourning.