Bhubaneswar: Santilata Barik Chhotray, a celebrated Odia bhajan singer, breathed her last at the age of 63 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the city on Monday. The news was confirmed by her husband, Basant Chhotray.
Chhotray had been battling throat cancer for some time, and her health had been deteriorating, leading to her prolonged struggle for survival.
Hailing from Khurda and born on October 1, 1960, Santilata Barik Chhotray made an indelible mark in the world of Odia bhajans. Trained at the Odisha Sangeeta Mahavidyalaya under the guidance of revered Gurus like Balakrushna Das, Markendeya Mohapatra, Singhari Shyamsundar Kar, and Gopal Panda, she emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of devotional music.
Known for her soul-stirring renditions of bhajans such as ‘Jagannath Tume Bada Chhalia,’ ‘Thaka Mana Chala Jiba,’ ‘Mun Je Deula Bedha,’ and ‘Kaaliare,’ Chhotray’s melodic voice resonated with Jagannath devotees and music enthusiasts alike across the state. Her repertoire boasted over 2,000 devotional songs, solidifying her legacy as a legendary singer.
Despite battling cancer since 2011, Chhotray continued to inspire through her music, earning accolades as a certified artiste of All India Radio and leaving an indelible imprint on the cultural landscape of Odisha.
Her demise has left a profound void in the Odia bhajan industry, with fans and admirers mourning the loss of a stalwart whose contributions enriched countless lives.
As per reports, Chhotray’s last rites will be performed at the Swargadwar crematorium in Puri tomorrow, where her relatives and fans will gather to bid her a final farewell.