Kirana Gharana singer Gangubai Hangal passes away at 97

Hindustani classical singer Gangubai Hangal passed away at Lifeline Hospital Hubli (Hubballi) in Karnataka following cardiac and respiratory problems. She was 97 years old. She was survived by three sons and two daughters.

The 97-year-old singer was recently admitted to hospital and undergoing treatment for chest congestion for the past two days. But she was shifted to a super speciality hospital Lifeline Emergency Care Centre in Hubli last night after she developed breathing problems. She died at 7.10 a.m. today morning.

A team of cardiologists had been treating the ailing singer. Earlier, Dr Kalamadani had said, "She has some heart problem, besides respiratory problems. She is responding to treatment, but is not out of danger as of now".

Gangubai Hangal was born at Dharwad to Chikkurao Nadiger, a celebrated vocalist of Carnatic music. Her family shifted to Hubli in 1928. She learned classical music from Krishnacharya and Dattopant Desai. Later, she studied music under Sawai Gandharva.

Gangubai was honoured with awards like Karnataka Sangeet Nritya Academy Award in 1962, Padma Bhushan in 1971, Padma Vibhushan in 2002, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1973. Although Gangubai had grown very old, she was inspiration for many upcoming singers. Her sudden death has shocked the Hindustani music lovers.