DHAKA: Eminent Indian classical singer Girija Devi passed away in Kolkata on Tuesday (October 24), reports Times of India (TOI).

She was 88.

The vocalist was admitted to BM Birla Hospital in a critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest earlier in the afternoon. 

She breathed her last at around 09:00pm, said a spokesperson from the hospital.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government’s higher officials expressed condolences at Girija's passing away.

Known as the "thumri queen", Girija Devi popularised the genre of semi-classical Indian music. India government honored her with ‘Padma Shri’, ‘Padma Bhushan’ and ‘Padma Vibhushan awards.

Tributes from stalwarts in the Indian music industry began pouring in soon after news of the singer's demise broke.

BDST: 1032 HRS, OCT 25, 2017
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