Acclaimed musician from Odisha, Prafulla Kar left for his heavenly abode late on Sunday night. He was 83.
Kar breathed his last at his residence in Satyanagar of Bhubaneswar. He was suffering from old-age-related health ailments for quite some time.
His last rites will be performed at Puri Swarga Dwara on Monday (tomorrow), his family sources said.
Born in 1939, Kar was a master musician, singer, lyricist, writer all-in-one, and indeed a great virtuoso. He had weaved magic with his magical tone and mystical creation in music during his decades-long illustrious career.
Considered a pioneer in giving a new identity to Odia music industry, Kar is credited to have given voice to around 70 hit Odia films and created numerous musical productions.
He was felicitated with India’s fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri in 2015 for his invaluable contribution to the field of art and music.
Kar was also a recipient of the prestigious Jaydev Award in 2004, Odisha’s top award given to a personality for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Odia cinema.
Condolences poured from all sections of society paying tributes to the music legend whose demise has left an unfillable void yet promises an ever-lasting legacy in Odia music.
Be it 'Kalia mo dehe boli de to deha kala' sung by famous singer Anuradha Poudwal or Chitta Jena's 'Mo priya tharu kie', Kar's magnificent musical creations will continue to captivate millions of music lovers for generations.
Kar boasts the rare distinction of being awarded Best Music Director in Odisha State Film Awards for a record eight times.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, BJP National Vice President Jay Panda, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, noted cine industry personalities, musicians and people from all walks of life expressed grief at the passing away of the veteran musician.
PM Modi expressed grief over the passing away of the eminent musician and said, "his unique contribution to Oriya music and culture will make him memorable."
"I am saddened to learn of the death of the famous musician Prafulla Kar. His demise marked the end of an era in the world of Odia music. His unique musical style will forever immortalise him in the hearts of the people. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family," CM Naveen Patnaik tweeted.
"End of an era in the world of Odia music! I am very saddened with the demise of Padma Shri Prafulla Kar, a well-known vocalist, eminent musician, lyricist and columnist, 'prince of the lotus land'. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family," BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda tweeted.
Taking to Twitter Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan wrote, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Padma Shri Prafulla Kar, a popular music director, vocalist and lyricist of the Odia music industry. He will forever be remembered by the people for his lifelong devotion to classical Odissi music, cinema and modern music."
Expressing grief over the demise of Kar, noted singer Laxmikant Palit said, "It is a loss to Indian music industry. He started his career as a singer, but later he emerged as a noted music director. His music will remain forever in the hearts of the people."
"Kar's demise has created a deep void in the Odia music industry. It is impossible to get someone like him again. Above all, he is a good human being," ace singer Girija Das said.
"I was stunned after hearing the news of Kar's demise. I cannot believe that he left us so early. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family," Ananta Narayan Jena, MLA (Bhubaneswar Central) said.