Singer Pratul Mukhopadhyay no more

Veteran Indian singer and lyricist Pratul Mukhopadhyay passed away at the age of 83 on Saturday. The legendary artist had been suffering from age-related ailments for a long time and was undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata. On Saturday morning, he breathed his last at the hospital.

Despite medical intervention, his condition deteriorated, and he ultimately did not respond to treatment. A medical board had been formed to oversee his treatment, but he remained bedridden at the hospital's main block in his final days.

Born in 1942 in Barishal, which was part of British-ruled India at the time, Pratul Mukhopadhyay later moved to West Bengal. His deep connection with Bengali culture was evident in his music and lyrics. Mukhopadhyay's iconic song "Ami Banglay Gaan Gai" remains immensely popular, along with "Dinga Bhasao Sagore, " both of which continue to be cherished by music lovers."

Mukhopadhyay was a prominent figure in the Bengali music industry, known for both his singing and songwriting talents. He also lent his voice as a playback singer for the film "Gosainbaganer Bhoot." A recluse by nature, he preferred solitude throughout his life. His passing has cast a pall of gloom over the Bengali music fraternity.

His journey as a musician began in his early years when he would compose and sing his own songs. With a government school teacher as a father, his inclination towards literature and music was evident from childhood. Over time, he made a mark as both a singer and a lyricist, leaving behind a rich musical legacy.