THEY WOULD talk about life, songs, studios, recordings, households — even her “payal (anklet) collection”. Over the final two years, she grew so near one in every of them that she would chat along with his eight-year-old daughter on video name.
For medical doctors and nurses at Breach Candy, the passing away of Lata Mangeshkar within the hospital was private. “Today, my little daughter is grieving,” mentioned Dr Pratit Samdani, inside medication specialist and marketing consultant on the hospital.
Samdani first met Mangeshkar in 2019 when she was rushed to the hospital after complaining of respiratory difficulties and positioned on life help for some time earlier than being discharged.
“We developed an affectionate relationship. Due to Covid restrictions, she refrained from visiting hospitals and on a weekly basis would consult me on video call for over an hour or so. During these calls, she would often share memories of various incidents while recording songs in studios, performing on stage and working with other singers. She was so humble and would often inquire about my family’s well-being through messages during the pandemic,” mentioned Samdani.
“She also developed a special bond with my eight-year-old daughter. She would often video chat with her during consultation. Lata didi wanted to meet my daughter but due to the pandemic, it couldn’t happen. But they met virtually several times over video call. My daughter was so fond of Lata didi that she sent handwritten letters to her,” he mentioned.
This time, too, Samdani was hopeful he would be capable to ship his 92-year-old affected person again house in good well being. But age and ailing well being weren’t on her aspect.
Mangeshkar was admitted to the hospital on January 9 after being detected with Covid, and positioned within the IntensiveCare Unit (ICU). And though she recovered barely final week, her situation deteriorated and she or he was placed on a ventilator. At 8.12 am on Sunday, she breathed her final.
According to oldtimers at Breach Candy, the singing legend had been visiting the hospital for over three many years.
Caregivers on the facility say they “have grown old with her and share a bond”. Many of them had been emotionally overwhelmed when medical doctors introduced that she was no extra. Several within the nurses room broke down in tears.
“We provide treatment to several celebrities, but we strictly limit our personal communication with them. But Lata didi would always initiate a conversation. She never hesitated to give autographs to staffers,” mentioned a nurse who had been concerned in caring for Mangeshkar for over 25 years.
“Earlier, she would listen to songs, especially ghazals, when she had to get admitted for health issues. She loved ‘payals’ and would often tell us about her ‘payal’ collection,” mentioned the nurse who declined to talk on document citing hospital norms for workers.
“But this time, she looked more fragile and frail. Due to Covid, there were strict restrictions on staff visiting her in the ICU. Healthcare workers would peek through the glass on the ICU door to catch a glimpse of her,” mentioned the nurse.
Doctors concerned in Mangeshkar’s remedy keep in mind her as a “down-to-earth” particular person.
Last 12 months, when Dr Gautam Bhansali, marketing consultant doctor at Bombay Hospital, visited her at her Peddar Road constructing, the singer “expressed concern about the effect of Covid on the livelihood of the poor”. “She also expressed her desire to help those in need. She had a nightingale voice and a golden heart,” mentioned Dr Bhansali.
At Breach Candy, the nurse summed it up: “For all of us, Lata didi was not just a patient but a family member.”
