Kolkata, 10 November (H.S.) : A wave of mourning has engulfed the Indian classical music fraternity following the demise of Pandit Manilal Nag, the eminent sitar maestro of the Bishnupur Gharana. The veteran musician breathed his last at a hospital in Kolkata late Monday night. He was 87 years old. He is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter, Mita Nag, who is also a celebrated sitarist. He leaves behind a vast legacy and countless disciples.

According to available information, the octogenarian artist had been suffering from age related ailments for a prolonged period. Born in 1939, Manilal Nag inherited his musical prowess. He received his initial training in instrumental music from his father, Gokul Nag, who was also a highly respected sitarist of the Bishnupur Gharana. Over the course of his long and illustrious career, he captivated audiences across numerous prestigious stages in India and abroad, bringing global recognition to the rich heritage of his gharana.

In acknowledgment of his invaluable contributions to the field of music, he was bestowed with several national and international accolades. He was honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2001. Later, in 2020, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in the country.

Sharing details about the final journey, Pandit Manilal Nag's family stated that his mortal remains will be taken from his residence to the State Music Academy on Tuesday, allowing his admirers and music enthusiasts to pay their last respects. Following this, his last rites will be performed at the Cossipore Mahashamshan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh