MUMBAI: Celebrated Bengali singer Banasree Sengupta, who regaled music lovers for decades with her mellifluous voice, died at a state-run hospital here on Sunday following protracted illness.

Sengupta, 71, a widow, breathed her last at 11.30 a.m. at the SSKM Hospital, where she was admitted some ten days back.

Sengupta recorded a large number of evergreen romantic songs since 1966.

Among her hit songs are 'Aaj Bikeler Dake Tomar Chhithi Pelam', 'Amar Angey Jaley Rangmoshal', 'Chhi Chhi Eki Kando Korechi', 'Dur Akashay Tomar Sur' and 'Sundar Boney Sundari Gachh'.

She also lent her voice to Bengali, Hindi, Assamese and Odiya films.

In recognition of her contribution to music, the West Bengal government bestowed the Sangeet Samman and the Mahasangeet Samman on Sengupta in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

A large number of her admirers placed wreaths on the body that was kept for public viewing at Rabindra Sadan before the cremation at Keoratolla burning ghat.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her deep sorrow at Sengupta's demise.

"Deeply saddened at the passing of legendary singer Banashree Sengupta. My condolences to her family and fans," she tweeted.

(Source: IANS)