Veteran singer Nirmala Mishra passes away

Veteran Bengali singer, who dominated the non-film music industry for decades, breathed her last at her South Kolkata residence on Saturday late evening. According to her family, the singer suffered from cardiac arrest. She was 81. She is survived by her husband, son and daughter-in-law. 

Nirmala Mishra’s doctor confirmed that the singer was suffering from heart-related ailments. She was hospitalised several times in the past five years. The West Bengal government arranged a tribute ceremony on Sunday in the Rabindra Sadan area. 

Famous for her several hit numbers, including Emon Ekta Jhinuk Khuje Pelam Na, O Totapakhi Re and others, Nirmala Mishra started her musical journey in the ’60s. She started her training from her father Pt Mohinimohan Mishra. In an interview with Anandabazar, eminent singer Saikat Mitra said that Nirmala Mishra treated him like a son. Recalling his memories, he said, “Red used to be her favourite colour. She used to mark her spectacles with red nail polish. She would never explain why. When we used to ask her, she used to smile. She never got angry.” 

Nirmala Mishra’s nephew confirmed that the singer was suffering from her heart ailment from a young age. According to him, she suffered from typhoid once and ever since she suffered from heart disease. Besides the modern songs, she also recorded a number of playback numbers. She used to do a lot of playbacks in the Odia film industry.