AR Rahman on Lata Mangeshkar: She was more than a singer and an icon. She is part of India's consciousness

In a brief video, renowned musician AR Rahman expressed his condolences for the death of Lata Mangeshkar. AR Rahman said that the departed singer is part of India's consciousness, and her death is a huge loss to everyone in the country. 

"It's very very sad for all of us. Lata ji is not just a singer and not just an icon. She is part of the consciousness of India... Indianess... Hindustan music, Urdu poetry, Hindi poetry, and Bengali. This void is going to remain forever. My experience with her goes back to my dad, who had a picture of her near his bed - to get inspired before going to recording. I feel lucky to have recorded a few songs with her and sing along with her."

The composer also shared about her dedication to singing. He reminisced an incident where he saw her practice the lyrics with her assistant ahead of the recording. "That one incident changed my life. So then (on), every show I go, I would just go off and practice every lyric, the way it comes out, and the intention behind the song."

Lata Mangeshkar has collaborated with AR Rahman for songs like 'Jia Jale' (Dil Se), 'Luka Chuppi' (Rang De Basanti), 'So Gaye Hain' (Zubeidaa), 'O Paalanhaare' (Lagaan), and more.

Lata Mangeshkar passed away on Sunday. She was 92. Her death was caused by multiple organ failure, the doctors said. She was diagnosed with Covid-19 in early January and was being treated at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.