Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday condoled legendary Bangladeshi singer Firoza Begum's death and reminisced about the last time the two had talked on the phone.
"I am very sad to learn that the legendary Firoza Begum has just breathed her last. Her passing away will certainly create a huge void in the world of music and culture. Firoza Begum's renditions in music are truly unforgettable. She was like a bond that bridged the cultural world of Bangladesh and West Bengal," Banerjee posted on her official Facebook page.
According to reports, the octogenarian singer was suffering from heart and kidney diseases and passed away around 8.15 p.m. in a Dhaka hospital.
"We were honoured to confer on her our prestigious 'Sangeet Mahasamman' award in 2012. In our first 'Agomoni' programme scheduled on 22nd September this year, we had decided to honour her with the State's highest civilian award, 'Banga Bibhusan'.
"She had also agreed to come to Kolkata to receive the award,' Banerjee said, adding "but, now it's all over".
The famed Nazrul Sangeet singer lived in Kolkata till 1954 and moved to Dhaka in 1967.
The Trinamool Congress supremo said they had spoken ten days ago. Dubbing her death as a "great personal loss", Banerjee recollected Firoza Begum's affection for her.
"Hardly about 10 days back, we talked to each other. To me, her passing away is indeed a great personal loss. She used to treat me as a member of her family. I remember, on the last occasion of our meeting, she was in tears while leaving and told me...'ar ki dekha hobe ?' (Will we meet again?). Today, these words keep ringing in my ears. Firozadi, wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts," she said.
