NEW DELHI: Eminent classical singer
Girija Devi passed away in Kolkata on Tuesday. She was 88.
The vocalist was admitted to BM Birla Hospital in a critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest earlier in the afternoon. A spokesperson for the hospital confirmed that she breathed her last around 9 pm.
“She was brought in a critical condition on Tuesday afternoon. She passed away around 9 pm,” a BM Birla Hospital spokesperson told IANS.
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi expressed his condolences at Girija Devi’s passing away.
“Saddened by demise of Girija Devi ji. Indian classical music has lost one of its most melodious voices. My thoughts are with her admirers,” PM Modi tweeted late on Tuesday night.
“Girija Devi ji’s music appealed across generations. Her pioneering efforts to popularise Indian classical music will always be remembered,” he said in another tweet.
Saddened by demise of Girija Devi ji. Indian classical music has lost one of its most melodious voices. My thoughts are with her admirers.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1508866646000
Girija Devi ji’s music appealed across generations. Her pioneering efforts to popularise Indian classical music will always be remembered.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1508866714000
Known as the “
thumri queen“, Girija Devi popularised the genre of semi-classical Indian music. She was conferred with all three Padma awards, and was honoured with the
Padma Vibhushan in 2016.
Tributes from stalwarts in the Indian music industry began pouring in soon after news of the singer’s demise broke.
Source :
Times of India
