Girija Devi, the ‘Queen of Thumri’ Passes Away At 88, in Kolkata

Iconic Indian classical singer Girija Devi passed away at the age of 88 in Kolkata’s BM Birla Heart Research Centre on 24 October due to cardiovascular ailments.

Considered as the queen of Thumri and fondly called Appa ji, Girija Devi’s demise will create a deep void in Indian classical music

The legendary singer of the ‘Benaras gharana’ had received Padma Shri in 1972, Padma Bhushan in 1989, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2016. She was also honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1977.

As the news of her demise spread, musicians, celebs, and fans took to social media to express their condolences, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Girija Devi ji's music appealed across generations. Her pioneering efforts to popularise Indian classical music will always be remembered.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 24, 2017

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) October 24, 2017

Girija Devi ji ek bahut acchi mahila thi. Main unko shraddhanjali arpan karti hun. ishwar unki aatma ko shanti pradan kare .

— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) October 24, 2017

Deeply saddened by the passing away of the legendary Girija Devi. This truly marks the end of an era #RIPGirijaDevi pic.twitter.com/tdXGOumctt

— Amjad Ali Khan (@AAKSarod) October 24, 2017

Colossal loss for Indian music. Girija Devi ji, Appaji to her family and followers, passes away. Irreparable loss. pic.twitter.com/YHLjA6kcRZ

— Shubha Mudgal (@smudgal) October 24, 2017

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman