Iconic Hill singer Kumar Subba passes away, tributes pour in

SNS, DARJEELING/SILIGURI , 16 JANUARY 22: Iconic singer of Nepali songs Kumar Subba passed away in a private nursing home in Siliguri late last night. He was 78. His body was today taken to his hometown at Harsing in Lebong near Darjeeling town, where his funeral is planned for tomorrow afternoon, family sources said.

Subba is well known for the many Nepali hit songs that he sang, with the most popular among them being 'Hei phool chudera laaney ho,"Sarangi ko taar Iey mero', 'Samhala pachhyauri tyo.'

Born on 11 March 1944 in Darjeeling, Subba had been living in Siliguri for some time and he had been admitted in the nursing home at Matigara some days ago with heart and kidney ailments.

As his body was taken to Darjeeling today, various Nepali organisations, musicians and litterateurs paid their tributes to the legendary singer along the way, right from Dagapur in Siliguri to Harsing People offered the 'khada' (traditional scarf) to Subba's body, accompanied in an ambulance by his two daughters Rachana and Niranjana.

Meanwhile, tributes poured in from various quarters, including musicians, political leaders, officials and even Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Social media users, fans of the departed singer, also flooded their handles and walls with rich tributes.

"When I was small, he used to take me around and taught me a lot about music. I want him to be singer when he is born again. I performed with him at many places like Kolkata, Delhi and Darjeeling. Though he is no more with us now, he will remain alive through his immortal songs," said popular Darjeeling singer and Subba's contemporary, Daisy Baraily.

Another singer, Ajnish Rai, said, "This is a big loss not only to the music world, but the entire community. He has left an indelible mark on us all through his evergreen songs."

"He used to teach us a lot about singing when we were young. He taught us that the most important thing to do if one was to become a good singer was practice a lot," he added.

Miss Banerjee today issued a condolence message, where she expressed her sadness at Subba's demise.

"It is with profound sadness that l have received the news of the demise of the renowned Nepali singer Kumar Subba. The hugely talented artist was from Lebong, Darjeeling, and he passed away last night in a hospital at Siliguri. He was 78 years old," her statement said.

"Kumar Subba sang for Nepali films, theaters and for All India Radio. He had retired from the Song and Drama unit of the Government of West Bengal," she added.

"His sudden departure causes an irreparable loss for the Nepali cultural world as well as our composite way of life in West Bengal," the statement said, adding that the singer was conferred the 'Sangeet Samman' in 2012 by the Government of West Bengal. "I express my sincere condolences and stand by the side of the departed artist's family. I also express my solidarity with all his friends, followers and admirers. May his soul rest in peace," Miss Banerjee added.

Darjeeling's BJP Member of Parliament Raju Bista said he was deeply saddened to learn of Subba s demise. "May his soul rest in peace and may god grant the bereaved family strength to bear the loss," Mr Bista said.

"Kumar Subba is a great personality not only of Darjeeling Hills but also of the entire Nepali-speaking world. I am deeply saddened by the news of his demise," said Anit Thapa, the president of the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha.

Trinamul Congress leader Binoy Tamang also expressed his sadness at Subba' s demise.

"I am shocked and saddened by the demise of respected Kumar Subba, the pride of the Gorkha community and a star in the Nepali music world. His demise is an irreparable loss to the Gorkha Community and it has left a void that cannot be filled," Mr Tamang said.

"Saddened at the demise of Kumar Subba, the popular singer whose evergreen songs brought out the pain of the oppressed community. His demise is an irreparable loss to the Nepali music World," said Bimal Gunmg, the president of the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha.

Subba is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, and granddaughters.