India condoles ‘icon’ Firoza Begum’s demise

India has condoled the death of Nazrul Sangeet exponent Firoza Begum and said the cultural world of the sub-continent has lost “one of its greatest icons”.

“She will always be remembered for her pioneering and legendary contribution to the field of music and the arts,” High Commissioner Pankaj Saran said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Nazrul Sangeet legend died on Tuesday at the age of 84 after enthralling fans for seven decades.

High Commissioner Saran said she ruled the hearts of music lovers not only in Bangladesh but also in India.

“I convey my deepest condolences on the sad demise of Firoza Begum.”

He prayed for the peace of her soul and for strength to her family, friends and admirers to bear this “irreparable loss”.

The singer had been suffering from prolonged illness.

She trained herself at a time when it was almost unthinkable for a Bengali Muslim girl to be allowed to train in music.

National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was impressed by her vocal talent even before she was ten years of age.

She won many awards including Bangladesh’s highest civilian award, Independence Award.