Singer Prafulla Kar dies at 83, PM Modi pays tribute: ‘Pioneering contribution to Odia culture’

Lyricist, singer and music director Prafulla Kar handed away on Sunday evening on the age of 83. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his dying,  saying he will probably be remembered for his pioneering contribution to Odia tradition and music. Kar had been unwell for the previous two days, and died from a cardiac arrest at round 9:30pm.

Modi tweeted, “Anguished by the passing away of Shri Prafulla Kar Ji. He will be remembered for his pioneering contribution to Odia culture and music. He was blessed with a multifaceted personality and his creativity was reflected in his works. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Anguished by the passing away of Shri Prafulla Kar Ji. He will probably be remembered for his pioneering contribution to Odia tradition and music. He was blessed with a multifaceted persona and his creativity was mirrored in his works. Condolences to his household and admirers. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 18, 2022

Kar started singing in his school days, and made debut as an expert singer within the Odia movie trade in 1962 with ‘Shri Shri Patita Pabana’. Thirteen years later in 1975, he started his journey as a music composer within the movie ‘Mamata’.  He had composed music for over 60 Odia and 4 Bengali motion pictures.  Kar had additionally performed small roles in two Odia movies ‘Mukti’ and ‘Thukool’.

In 2015, Kar had been awarded the Padma Shri for his contribution to the sphere of arts. He had additionally acquired the Jayadeva award in 2004.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik additionally expressed grief over his demise and stated his dying has marked the top of an period in Odia music. “I am saddened to learn of the death of the famous musician Prafulla Kar. His demise marked the end of an era in the world of Odia music. His unique musical style will forever immortalize him in the hearts of the people. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and wish them well,” CM Patnaik tweeted.