Modi to attend Lata Mangeshkar's funeral in Mumbai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he will be visiting Mumbai later in the day to pay his last respects to legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar.

Mangeshkar, 92, died at a Mumbai hospital on Sunday morning.

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

A two-day state mourning will be observed on the demise of the legendary singer on February 6 and 7.

The national flag will fly at half mast on Sunday and Monday throughout India and a state funeral will be accorded to her. 

Earlier, Modi said that Lata Mangeshkar leaves behind a void in the nation that cannot be filled, and the coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people.

In a tweet, the prime minister said, "I consider it my honour that I have always received immense affection from Lata Didi. My interactions with her will remain unforgettable. I grieve with my fellow Indians on the passing away of Lata Didi. Spoke to her family and expressed condolences. Om Shanti."

Modi said her songs brought out a variety of emotions and she closely witnessed the transitions of the Indian film world for decades.

"Beyond films, she was always passionate about India's growth. She always wanted to see a strong and developed India," he said.