Veteran classical singer Girija Devi passed away, nation mourns loss

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the death of Thumri exponent and veteran classical singer Girija Devi.

Girija Devi passed away late Tuesday evening at a hospital in Kolkata following a cardiac arrest.

"Saddened by the demise of Girija Deviji. Indian classical music has lost one of its most melodious voices. My thoughts are with her admirers," Modi tweeted.

"Girija Deviji's music appealed across generations. Her pioneering efforts to popularise Indian classical music will always be remembered," he added.

President Ram Nath Kovind also paid homage to the 88-year-old artist as he tweeted, "Sad to hear of demise of classical singer and Queen of Thumri Girija Devi. Our cultural heritage has been left poorer #PresidentKovind"

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar said: "Girija Devi was not only a great classical singer but a national treasurer. We are poorer with out her."

Born in Varanasi, on May 8 1929, to Ramdeo Rai, a zamindar, Girija Devi started taking her lessons in singing khyal and tappa from vocalist and sarangi player Sarju Prasad Misra at the age of five.

She was honoured with Padma Shri in 1972, Padma Bhushan in 1989 and Padma Vibhushan last year.

-ANI