Popular Bengali folk singer Swagata Dey, best known for his renditions of Moyna Chholat Chholat and Sona Bondhu Re, died on Thursday after suffering a cerebral stroke.
He was undergoing treatment at a hospital for several days.
According to family members, the singer suffered a cerebral stroke on Monday and was rushed to hospital. Despite intensive treatment, he could not be saved.
Swagata Dey earned widespread acclaim for his soulful performances of Bengali folk songs and played a significant role in introducing traditional folk music to younger audiences. His songs Moyna Chholat Chholat and Sona Bondhu Re remain among his most celebrated works.
News of his death prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow artistes and admirers on social media.
Singer Jojo wrote on Facebook, “Rest in peace in the land of stars, Swagatada. Om Shanti.”
Actress Sudipta Chakraborty said that the news brought back many childhood memories, adding that she found it hard to believe he was gone.
Folk singer Deb Chowdhury described Swagata Dey’s death as a major loss for Bengali folk music.
Artistes and cultural personalities said his passing had created an irreplaceable void in the Bengali folk music scene.