Veteran Bengali singer Sandhya Mukhopadhyay, whose golden voice enthralled music lovers for generations and who had last month refused to accept the Padma Shri, passed away in Kolkata on Tuesday (Feb 15) evening following a massive cardiac arrest. She was 90.
Mukhopadhyay was hospitalised on Jan 27 after she developed heart- and lung-related complications following Covid-19 infection. Since then, she had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the city, Indian media reported.
Sandhya Mukherjee suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at around 7:30 p.m. after suffering from irregular heartbeat and could not be revived. The hospital deeply mourns the passing away of the legendary singer, said a spokesperson of the hospital.
Mourning Mukhopadhyay’s demise, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “She had recovered from Covid-19 and was stable. Yesterday her condition deteriorated but we hadn’t thought that she would pass away. She led a disciplined life. Today we have lost a legend.”
Banerjee announced that the singer’s body will be kept at Rabindra Sadan on Wednesday for her admirers to pay their last respects. “I will cut short my trip to north Bengal and reach Kolkata tomorrow evening to pay my respect. She will be cremated will full state honours,” added the chief minister.
Mukhopadhyay had won the National Film Award in the Best Female Playback Singer category for her songs in the films ‘Jay Jayanti’ and ‘Nishi Padma’ in 1970. She received the Banga Bibhushan, the highest civilian honour to be conferred in West Bengal, in 2011.
Bangladesh President and PM mourns death of Sandhya Mukhopadhyay
Bangladesh President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of legendary singer Sandhya Mukhopadhyay, local media reported.
In a condolence message, the President said the death of Sandhya Mukherjee is an irreparable loss to the music world of the subcontinent.
Recalling her contribution to the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971 with due respect, he said this proverbial artiste will be remembered by the country's people forever.
In separate condolence message, the premier said alongside spreading the fascination of music in the subcontinent, the contribution of Sandhya Mukhopadhyay in the great war of liberation will be remembered.
The head of the state and the head of the government prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
