Dipali Borthakur passes away

An era of Assamese music comes to an end as 'Sonor Kharu Nalage Muk' singer Dipali Borthakur is no more. The singer left for her heavenly abode at 1:25 pm today.

The Padma Shri was under treatment in Nemcare Hospital, where she breathed her last at the age of 77 years. The artist was suffering from respiratory problems at the time of her death, said Dr Hitesh Barua.

Born in Sivasagar's Sonari, Borthakur, known as the 'Nightingle of Assam', had been suffering from a severe Motor neuron disease, which hindered her singing.

Dipali Barthakur has been honored many times, most notably with the Padma Shri award for folk and traditional music in 1990-92. Some of her others awards or recognitions are:

• Padma Shri – 1998 for her contribution to the Arts by the Government of India.
• Silipi Bota (2010) from Government of Assam
• Aideu Handique Silpi Award (2012) by the Sadou Asom Lekhika Somaroh Samiti

Some of the singer's popular songs are:

• "Jundhone Junalite"
• "Konmana Boroxire Sip"
• "Senai Moi Jau Dei"
• "O' Bondhu Somoi Pale Amar Phale"