Well-known Bengali singer Pratul Mukhopadhyay known for ‘Ami Banglay Gaan Gai’, passed away at the SSKM hospital in Kolkata on Saturday. He was suffering from different age-related ailments.
The 83-year-old singer is survived by his wife.
His mortal remains were accorded full state honours at Rabindra Sadan Cultural Complex in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The chief minister accompanied by her cabinet colleague Aroop Biswas and director Goutam Ghose paid floral tributes to Mukherjee’s mortal remains. She was present as a Kolkata Police contingent gave a gun salute to the late singer.
The singer’s body was kept at the Rabindra Sadan cultural centre in Kolkata for the common people to pay their last respects. Pratul Mukhopadhyay had pledged to donate his body for medical purposes, therefore, the mortal remains were taken to the SSKM Hospital’s Anatomy Department from Rabindra Sadan.
Following Mukhopadhyay’s demise, Chief Minister Banerjee wrote on social media, “I am saddened by the death of Pratul Mukherjee, a renowned artist of modern Bengali songs.”
Two days ago, Banerjee had visited the ailing singer at the Woodburn ward of the SSKM hospital. Recalling her last visit at the hospital, Mamata Banerjee said, “Despite being in serious condition, he waved his hand when I called him ‘Pratul da’.”
“His absence will be sorely felt in the International Mother Language Day function on February 21 this year. I had once told him that without you any Bhasha Divas celebration would be incomplete. His loss is irreparable. The doctors at SSKM tried their best but could not save him,” Banerjee said, adding she had been regularly in touch with his doctors since he was hospitalised.
Condoling Mukhopadhyay’s death, Governor C V Ananda Bose said, “We are saddened by the demise of legendary Bengali singer-songwriter Pratul Mukhopadhyay, known for his iconic songs like ‘Ami Banglay Gan Gai’ and ‘Dinga Bhashao Sagore’.”
“His profound contributions to Bengali music will forever resonate in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
Two Bengal ministers Biswas and Indranil Sen had rushed to the SSKM hospital after getting the news of Mukhopadhyay’s death. Biswas said, “The chief minister was regularly taking updates on his condition.”
— With PTI