In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the celebrated artist and acknowledged her contribution to preserving and popularising Pandavani, a unique folk tradition based on episodes from the Mahabharata.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of renowned Pandavani singer Teejan Bai. Through her magnificent performances, she gave Chhattisgarh’s folk art a distinct identity across the world. Her passing is an irreparable loss to the world of art and culture. My condolences are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled her death and remembered her as one of India’s most influential folk artists. In his message, Singh said Teejan Bai left an indelible mark on the world of folk arts through her exceptional performances and played a significant role in bringing recognition to Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage at both national and international levels.

Teejan Bai had been undergoing treatment for health-related issues and breathed her last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur. Her death marks the end of an era in Indian folk performance traditions, particularly for Pandavani, a narrative art form that combines storytelling, singing and dramatic expression to recount episodes from the Mahabharata.

Born in 1956 in Ganiyari village near Bhilai in present-day Chhattisgarh, Teejan Bai emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated folk artists in the country. At a time when women rarely performed Pandavani publicly, she broke social barriers and established herself as a leading performer through her powerful voice, commanding stage presence and innovative style.

Over the decades, she became synonymous with Pandavani and introduced the art form to audiences far beyond central India. Her performances captivated spectators across India and abroad, earning widespread appreciation for their emotional depth and dramatic intensity.

Cultural experts often credit Teejan Bai with transforming Pandavani from a regional folk tradition into a globally recognised art form. Through numerous national and international tours, she helped showcase India’s rich cultural heritage on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.

Her extraordinary contribution to Indian arts was recognised with several of the country’s highest honours. The Government of India conferred the Padma Shri on her in 1988, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2003. In 2019, she received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in recognition of her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting folk culture.

Apart from the Padma awards, Teejan Bai was also honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and several other prestigious accolades throughout her career. Her influence extended beyond performance, inspiring generations of artists to embrace and preserve traditional Indian art forms.

The passing of Teejan Bai has prompted tributes from across the country, with political leaders, artists and cultural institutions remembering her as a towering figure in Indian folk music and storytelling. Her legacy is expected to continue through the countless performers and admirers inspired by her work.

With her death, India loses not only a celebrated artist but also a cultural ambassador who dedicated her life to keeping a centuries-old tradition alive for future generations.

Asha Bhosle Funeral Today With Full State Honours

Legendary Voice Falls Silent

India’s beloved playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away on Sunday at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. She was 92. The legendary vocalist, who sang over 12,000 songs in a career spanning eight decades, breathed her last due to multi-organ failure. Her funeral will be held today at 4 PM at Shivaji Park Crematorium with full state honours.

Family Confirms Final Rites

The singer was admitted to hospital on Saturday night following multiple age-related medical complications. Doctors could not revive her as several organs had stopped functioning. Her son, Anand Bhosle, has appealed to fans to avoid overcrowding at the crematorium. Final darshan is allowed from 10:30 AM to 2 PM at her Casa Grande residence in Lower Parel.

State Honours Accorded

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid tribute at her home late Sunday evening. The state government swiftly announced ceremonial honours given her monumental contribution to Indian music. Asha Bhosle was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award, along with nine Filmfare awards and over 100 other accolades.

Amitabh Mourns Era’s End

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan described her passing as the end of “an entire era” of Indian music. Writing on his blog, he called her a “phenomenal and prodigious presence” who left behind an “encyclopedia of eternal music.” Bollywood’s megastar added that while her body has departed, her voice remains immortal.

Tendulkar Breaks Down

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar was visibly inconsolable while paying his last respects at her residence. The former batsman broke down in tears as he bid farewell to the singing legend. Actress Tabu was also seen emotional, embracing Asha’s granddaughter Zanai Bhosle. Riteish Deshmukh, Shaan, and Nitin Mukesh with his father arrived to offer condolences.

PM Modi, Global Icons Grieve

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by the demise of one of India’s “most iconic and versatile voices.” Shah Rukh Khan stated that her voice “will resonate across the world for centuries.” British singer Boy George recalled her “silk-like” voice from their 1991 collaboration. Shatrughan Sinha posted that “Music Thy Name is Asha Bhosle.”

Preparations Underway at Shivaji Park

Security has been tightened at Shivaji Park Crematorium ahead of the 4 PM funeral. The hearse is being decorated with white flowers as celebrities continue to arrive at her residence. Maharashtra Governor, Uddhav Thackeray, Supriya Sule, and Asha Parekh have all paid their respects. The nation bids farewell to a voice that defined generations of Indian cinema.