Classical music maestro Pt Arun Bhaduri breathes his last at 75

Kolkata: Renowned classical singer Pandit Arun Bhaduri died at a city hospital on Monday morning, following prolonged illness. The 75-year-old artiste had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory ailments.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her grief over the demise of Bhaduri. "I am deeply saddened to know that renowned singer Pandit Arun Bhaduri is no more. Our government had conferred on him the state's highest civilian award, Banga Bibhusan, in 2014 for his outstanding contribution to music. Pandit Arun Bhaduri's passing will create a big void in the world of music and culture. I convey my deep condolence to his family, friends and admirers," Banerjee tweeted on Monday.

Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim paid a floral tribute to Bhaduri.

Bhaduri is survived by his wife and son. He was considered a maestro of Bhajans and Bengali songs. He had been a mentor at the State Sangeet Academy and also served as a teacher at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy. Pandit Bhaduri had devoted his life in passing his knowledge to his students. He was also a radio and television artiste.

He was admitted to a private hospital in Central Kolkata with some infection in his lung last Tuesday. Despite best efforts by the doctors, his condition deteriorated. His condition turned critical on Sunday as he had serious respiratory distress. He had been undergoing treatment at the COPD department of the hospital. Bhaduri failed to respond to the treatment, following various other age related ailments.