Manifestations of God are both mysterious and mischevious. Seldom in those mysteries, miracles sparkle. It is an undeniable fact that Didi‘s voice was not only pristine but there is peace written all over it. Lata Mangeshkar, the nightingale of India, is an immortal to the masses. While her mortal remains are no longer with us, she definitely left us behind a tressure that we will cherish forever. Shyaayad phir is janam me mulaqaat ho na ho (we may never see her in flesh and blood again) but, she lives in those thousands of melodies she left behind for us for time immemorial.

A personification of perfection, Didi’s songs are healings for the unsettled minds. Every note hitting the right chord and every letter rendered to clarity, her songs are manifestations of bliss and purity. It is so hard to pick a song and say, this is the best. There simply aren’t any because, while her singing was a constant like truth, the music was either best or better. From Aaayegaa Aaane Waala to Saugandh Mujhe Is Mitti Ki, her singing spanned decades and few generations. Be it a solo or a bhajan, a duet or chorus, Di‘s voice will etch in one’s mind like destiny.

Her voice is both our fortune and pride; time may be a mutant spectator of many great souls and will wonder one day, “why did I not blink for a moment?“, as it is worth to defy the supreme will.

kabhee muz ko yaad kar ke jo bahenge tere aansoo
to wahee pe rok lenge unhe aa ke mere aansoo
too jidhar kaa rukh karegaa, meraa saayaa saath hogaa

Tu Jahan Jahan Chalega…