New Delhi, July 5 : President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said that the passing of Padma Vibhushan awardee and legendary Pandwani singer Teejan Bai is "extremely heartbreaking", while adding that her "invaluable contributions" to India's cultural heritage will always be remembered.

Teejan Bai passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raipur on Sunday after battling a prolonged illness. According to the hospital officials, Teejan Bai breathed her last at 3.15 a.m. on Sunday. She had been undergoing treatment since May 27. Teejan Bai was suffering from severe lung infection, bloodstream infection (sepsis), and acute kidney injury.

Taking to X, President Murmu said, "The news of the demise of the renowned Pandavani artist Smt. Teejan Bai ji is extremely heartbreaking. With her powerful voice, commanding presence, and unique style of presentation, she brought the tales of the Mahabharata to life on stage."

"Through her exceptional talent, dedication, and years of rigorous practice, she brought recognition to Chhattisgarh's rich Pandavani tradition both in India and abroad. Her invaluable contribution to the dissemination of India's cultural heritage will remain memorable. I extend my deepest condolences to her loved ones and admirers," the President added.

The 70-year-old folk icon was widely regarded as one of the greatest exponents of Pandwani -- a Chhattisgarh-based folk singing style involving narration of tales from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata.

Born in 1956 in Ganiyari village near Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, Teejan Bai rose from humble beginnings to become an internationally acclaimed artist. She popularised Pandwani, a traditional folk art form of Chhattisgarh in which stories from the Mahabharata are narrated through powerful singing and dramatic performance.

Her unique style, marked by deep emotion and energetic delivery while seated on stage, brought this lesser-known folk tradition to the global stage.

Over her illustrious career, Teejan Bai received some of India's highest civilian honours, including the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2003, and Padma Vibhushan in 2019. She was also conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1995 and several other prestigious recognitions for her immense contribution to Indian folk culture.

/IANS