By T.J.S. George
Lata Mangeshkar was, after all, just a playback singer — one who played in the background while actors took the limelight. Yet, when she passed away, India paused. Linguistic and regional sentiments disappeared as all of India felt the loss of a national asset. The Government ordered a two-day national mourning and the final salute at Shivaji Park in Bombay saw dignitaries from all over the country in attendance, with Police and military personnel controlling the crowds. It was obvious that Lata had evolved into an all-India emblem.
