Anup Ghosal, the acclaimed Bengali singer who captured hearts with his soulful rendition of "Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi" from the 1983 film "Masoom," has passed away at the age of 77.
The veteran singer, known for his versatile voice and contributions to both Bengali and Hindi cinema, breathed his last at a private hospital in south Kolkata at 1:40 PM on Friday.
He had been admitted for several days, battling old age ailments, ultimately succumbing to multi-organ failure.
Anup Ghosal, survived by his two daughters, had not only left an indelible mark in the world of music but also ventured into politics.
In 2011, he contested and won the assembly polls from the Uttarpara seat on the Trinamool Congress ticket.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences, stating, "I express my deep grief and condolence over the death of Anup Ghosal who had sung in Bengali, Hindi, and other languages."
Anup Ghosal's musical journey was marked by versatility and excellence. His prolific singing career spanned various genres, showcasing his proficiency in the works of Kaji Nazrul Islam, Rabindranath Tagore, and modern Bengali songs.
Ghosal's association with legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray added another dimension to his illustrious career. He lent his soul-stirring voice to Ray's cinematic gems, including "Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne" (1969) and "Hirak Rajar Deshe" (1980).
Apart from his collaborations with Ray, Ghosal's vocals graced the films of renowned directors like Tapan Sinha, including the 1971 film "Sagina Mahato." However, it was his heartwarming rendition of "Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi" in Gulzar-directed "Masoom" that resonated with audiences across the nation.
Born in 1945, Anup Ghosal's musical journey began under the guidance of his mother, Labanya Ghoshal. He later honed his skills in classical music under the tutelage of Pt Sukhendu Goswami, eventually topping the MA classical music program at Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata.