Sumitra Sen

Indian Bengali singer (1933–2023)

Sumitra Sen (7 March 1933 – 3 January 2023) was an Indian Bengali singer and an exponent of Rabindra Sangeet. Her rendition style popularised Tagore's songs without losing the original notations.[1][2]

## Career

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Sen started her singing career in 1951 with two Nazrulgeetis, 'Gother rakhal bole de re' and 'Bedonar bedi tole'. Her famous songs include one with Pratima Banerjee, 'Aamtalay jhamur jhumur'. She also sang folk songs. But she is known for her Rabindra Sangeet renditions, which carved a niche for her. She recorded over 150 Tagore songs. She also lent her voice to popular stage productions like Shyama, Shaapmochon, Balmiki Pratibha, and Barshamangal, as well as to 16 movies in Tollywood.[3] Her rendition of 'Mago tobo bine sangeeto premo lalito' for Pankaj Mullick's 'Mahisashuramardini' created history said Jayati Chakraborty, another well-known Bengali singer in an obit in Times of India. She was associated with institutes of eminence related to Tagore like the Rabindra Bharati University and many others.[4]

## Death and legacy

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Sen died at her Ballygunge home on 3 January 2023, at the age of 89.[5] She was survived by her two daughters, Indrani and Sraboni, who are also well-known Bengali singers.[6] At the time of her death she had been suffering from broncho-pneumonia issues for some time.[7][8] She had many students and followers.[9][10] West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed condolences to the bereaved family.[11]

## Awards

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* Sen was awarded Sangeet Mahasamman by West Bengal government in 2012.[12][13][14]
* Sangeet Natak Academy award for lifetime contribution.[3]

## References

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1. ^ "Singer Sumitra Sen passes away". The Times of India. 4 January 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
2. ^ Tribute To Sumitra Sen | Top Sumitra Sen Bengali Songs |Ma Go Tabu Beene |Sakhi Bhabana Kahare Bale, retrieved 29 December 2023
3. ^ a b "Rabindra Sangeet exponent Sumitra Sen passes away at 89". CNBCTV18. 3 January 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
4. ^ "Sumitra Sen, Rabindra sangeet legend, passes away". The Week. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
5. ^ "Rabindra Sangeet artist Sumitra Sen passes away at 89". Business Insider. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
6. ^ "Rabindra Sangeet exponent Sumitra Sen passes away at 89". CNBCTV18. 3 January 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
7. ^ PTI (3 January 2023). "Noted Rabindra Sangeet exponent Sumitra Sen dies in Kolkata". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
8. ^ PTI (3 January 2023). "Legendary Singer Sumitra Sen Passes Away At 89". news.abplive.com. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
9. ^ "Eminent Rabindra Sangeet exponent Sumitra Sen dies". The Indian Express. 3 January 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
10. ^ "Legendary singer Sumitra Sen passes away at 89". TimesNow. 3 January 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
11. ^ IANS (3 January 2023). "Acclaimed Rabindra Sangeet artist Sumitra Sen passes away". National Herald. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
12. ^ "Sumitra Sen: 5 Points On Rabindra Sangeet Exponent". NDTV.com. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
13. ^ "Rabindrasangeet exponent Sumitra Sen passes away at 89". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
14. ^ "Rabindra Sangeet legend Sumitra Sen passes away". The Times of India. 3 January 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 1 January 2024.