Veteran classical singer Girija Devi dies in Kolkata after cardiac arr

Eminent classical singer and Padma
Vibhushan awardee Girija Devi passed away
at a hospital in Kolkata on Tuesday
following a cardiac arrest, hospital sources
said.
She was 88 and survived by a daughter.
Considered as the queen of Thumri and
fondly called Appa ji, Girija Devi was taken
to the city's BM Birla Heart Research Centre
this afternoon with cardiovascular ailments,
She was put on life support, her family
sources said.
"Girija Devi's condition was quite critical
when she was brought to the hospital. She
was admitted to the CCU and was under
constant watch. But she passed away at
around 8.45 pm, hospital spokesperson
told PTI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled her
death, saying the singer's music appealed
across generations and her pioneering
efforts to popularise Indian classical music
would always be remembered.
"Saddened by demise of Girija Devi ji. Indian
classical music has lost one of its most
melodious voices. My thoughts are with her
admirers, he tweeted.
A legendary singer of the "Benaras
gharana had received Padma Shri in 1972,
Padma Bhushan in 1989 and the Padma
Vibhushan in 2016.
Born in a zamindar family at a village near
Banaras on May 8, 1929, music was a part
of Girija Devi's life from a very early age.

http://m.hindustantimes.com/music/veteran-classical-singer-girija-devi-dies/story-bQpFM41gsJzSelDli8brJP.html.

She was a great singer. RIP.

It was only recently that my parents watched a performance of hers. Was shocked to hear about this, despite her age.