India’s legendary classical vocalist, Kishori Amonkar, has died in Mumbai.
Amonkar, 84, who mesmerised audiences with her skilful singing for decades, died on Monday night at her home in central Mumbai.
Domestic media, quoting her student, Gandhar Bedekar, reported Amonkar had died in her sleep.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described her passing away as an “irreparable loss” to Indian classical music.
Amonkar was recognized as one of the foremost singers in the Hindustani traditional school of singing, and also won acclaim for creating her own distinctive style.
Amonkar received India’s top civilian honour, Padma Bhushan, in 1987, and Padma Vibhushan in 2002.
Tributes have poured in from musicians as well as India’s entertainment industry in Mumbai following news of her death.
“She was a unique and extraordinary classical singer.
Her demise spells a huge loss for the world of music,” legendary Bollywood singer Lata Mangeshkar said.
Her funeral was due to be held in Mumbai on Tuesday evening.
Tributes have continued to pour in as the news of the death hit the airwaves.
Abhishek Sāmal @abhiertigibbet tweeted, “This was the last time Kishoritai bowed before her blessed audience. She goes into that Silence she always loved.”
Laxmikant Bongale @Laxmikantji said #KishoriAmonkar, a mastermind who taught emotions to every Raag she met. “A voice that shall make humans emotional beings time and again”
Akash Sakaria described the death as one of the darkest days of classical music.
“Saddened to hear the demise of renowned Hindustani Classical singer Kishori Amonkar. India has lost a music legend,” said CM of Karnataka
N. K. Singh said he was deeply saddened and distressed at the sudden passing away of the legendary Kishori Amonkar.
