Cool Bihari: Folk legend Departs

Folk singer Vindhyawasini Devi, who enthralled lovers of Bhojpuri, Magadh and Maithili music for nearly seven decades, died in her sleep in the wee hours on Tuesday. She was 85. Mrs. Devi, who had been suffering from old age-related ailments for quite some time.

Vindhyawasini, whose 'Piya la de resham ke dori' is etched in the minds of music aficionados, is survived by two sons, a daughter and several grandchildren, family sources said.

The last rites of the Padmashree winner was performed by her eldest son at Patna's Gulbi Ghat on late Tuesday evening. Among those who participated in her last rites included leaders, artists, singers, teachers, journalists, and a large number of her fans.

Known for her fabulous folk songs and thumris, Vindhyawasini Devi was born in Sitamarhi. She did her initial schooling in Muzaffarpur and in 1944, graduated from the Bharatkhande Sangeet Vidyapeeth in Lucknow.

Her tenure as the music producer at Patna Radio Station began in 1955 and lasted till 1980.In 1954, she was honored by the coveted Sangeet Natak Academy and in 1974 she was bestowed with the envious Padmashree award.In her long musical career, Mrs. Devi sang songs depicting Indian mythology, colors and moods of changing seasons, religious and wedding songs, and bhajans including lending voice to several actresses on the silver screen.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi have condoled the death of the singer.