Doyenne of India Classical Music, Kishori Amonkar, Dies

India lost a shining beacon of classical music and the nation is mourning her loss. Kishori Amonkar, recipient of the Padma Vibhushan for her contribution to the Indian classical music passed away late Monday evening, India time after a brief illness. She was 84 and is survived by two sons.

Prime Minster Narendra Modi expressed his grief on Twitter. He wrote: Demise of Kishori Amonkar is an irreparable loss to Indian classical music. Deeply pained by her demise. May her soul rest in peace," he tweeted. Mr Modi also paid his respects by tweeting a link to a documentary film called Bhinna Shadja made on the life and works of the doyenne of classical music.

The funeral will be held in Mumbai at Shivaji Park crematorium on Tuesday evening. Bollywood stars also took to Twitter to express their sadness on the loss of this jewel. Amonkar who sang in the Jaipur Gharana style had a signature Maharashtrian and Goan lehja.

Born on April 10, 1932, she mastered her music under the tutelage of Ustad Alladiya Khan and Kesarbhai Kerkar.

During her life she received many prestigious awards. The music fraternity will always remember her distinct style that redefined classical music in many ways.