Legendary Pandavani folk singer Teejan Bai died on July 5 at the age of 69 after a lengthy illness, her daughter-in-law confirmed. She had been receiving treatment at AIIMS Raipur since May 27, when she was admitted with breathing difficulties and general weakness, and was later placed on a ventilator.
Cause of Death and Medical History
According to AIIMS Raipur hospital officials, Bai was suffering from a severe lung infection, bloodstream infection (sepsis), and acute kidney injury. Her daughter-in-law, Savitri Bai, who was with her in hospital for over a month, told The Indian Express: "She was unable to speak for six to seven months, but she communicated with hand gestures. When that, too, stopped, we admitted her to the hospital."
Family's Grief
In a statement, another daughter-in-law, Venu Deshmukh, said that the singer was "everything" to their family. She confirmed that Bai had not been able to speak for three years. Deshmukh said: "Earlier, she was fine. She was the one who took care of and kept the family members together and, in fact, singlehandedly ran the family. She meant everything to us. The entire family has broken down in grief."
Career and Achievements
Teejan Bai first shot to fame at age 13 and went on to perform around the world, including in France, Switzerland, Germany, England, Malta, Cyprus, Tunisia, Italy, Yemen, Bangladesh, and Mauritius. She won numerous prestigious Indian awards, including the Padma Shri in 1988, recognition as Shreshth Kala Acharya in 1994, the Sangeet Natak Academy prize in 1996, the Padma Bhushan in 2003, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2019.
Tributes from Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on social media, writing: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of the renowned Pandavani singer Teejan Bai ji. Through her grand performances, she gave this folk art form of Chhattisgarh a unique identity across the world. Her departure is an irreplaceable loss to the world of art and culture. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with her family and admirers. Om Shanti!"
