Padma Vibhushan Teejan Bai Passes Away At 70, PM Modi Expresses Grief

Raipur: Padma Vibhushan awardee and legendary Pandavani exponent Teejan Bai, the melodious and outspoken voice of Chhattisgarh's soil, which brought the characters of Mahabharata to life on stages across the world, passed away in Raipur on Sunday. She was 72.

When did Teejan Bai passed away?

Teejan Bai, one of the country's most respected folk artists, Padma Vibhushan awardee and legendary Pandavani exponent, passed away early Sunday morning at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raipur. She was 70-years-old and was bedridden for quite some time due to age-related ailments.

According to AIIMS Raipur doctors, Teejan Bai breathed her last at around 3:15 am. As soon as the news of her demise spread, a wave of mourning spread in the political and cultural circles of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

What did PM Modi say?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the passing of Teejan Bai and called it an “irreplaceable loss to the world of art and culture”. 

Taking to X, in a post PM Modi wrote, “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!”

Who was Teejan Bai?

Teejan Bai's passing is not just the loss of an artist, but also marks the end of an era of Chhattisgarh's cultural revolution that encouraged half the population to openly showcase their art. When she gave her first stage performance at the age of 13, women used to sing Pandavani only while sitting in the 'Vedmati style'. 

Teejan Bai challenged the social norms and male dominance of that era and chose the 'Kapalika style'. With a tanpura in her hand, she started singing episodes from the Mahabharata while standing and in a thunderous voice, which became history.

Born in Ganiyari village in Durg district, Teejan Bai brought folk art international recognition that was previously unimaginable. She performed before former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and numerous heads of state. For her outstanding contributions to the arts, she was awarded the Padma Shri in 1987, the Padma Bhushan in 2003, and the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second highest civilian honor, in 2019. She also received Japan's prestigious Fukuoka Art Prize.