Devotional singer Bhikari Bal passes away

Noted devotional singer Bhikari Bal died after a prolonged illness.

Bhubaneswar: Noted devotional singer Bhikari Bal, known as ‘Bhajan Samrat’ in Orissa, died after a prolonged illness in Cuttack, family sources said today.

He was 81 and is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter. The singer was bed-ridden for about a year due to age related ailments and had been admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack on October 25 where he passed away late last night. A devotee of Lord Jagannath, Bal was popular for his dedication to Oriya Bhajan which brought him laurels from far and wide. Recipient of several prestigious awards, the singer had sung hundreds of Bhajans besides presenting his voice as play back singer in a number of Oriya films including `Bhakta Salabega`, `Agni Pariksha`, `Mathura Vijaya`, `Abhilasha`, `Amar Prem` and `Srikrushna Rasa Leela`. PTI