Photo : Collected
Ustad Mihir Lala, a voice soldier of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra and a classical music artist, had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chattogram for 17 consecutive days. Although not fully recovered, he was taken home on August 8 on the advice of doctors. On Saturday, news of his death was received; he passed away at his home at 7:30 in the morning. Mihir Lala's wife, Nazrul Sangeet artiste Jayanti Lala, confirmed the news of his death. Mihir Lala was 84 years old.
Ustad Mihir Lala was one of those who dedicated their lives to the rigorous practice and devotion to music. He was a renowned classical music artiste of both Bengals and a mentor to many artists. He spent over half a century in his musical pursuit.
Although born in Cox's Bazar in 1941, he grew up in Popadia village of Kanungopara in Boalkhali, Chattogram. He was the third of eight children of lawyer Chandra Binod Lala and Kuldabala Lala. His elder brother, Rabindranath Lala, was a student of the famous Ustad Pandit Vishmadev Chattopadhya for 25 years. He earned the degree of 'Professor of Classical Music' from All India Music College. Ustad Mihir Lala's wife, Jayanti Lala also teaches classical music. Their daughter, Chandrima Lala, has a degree in music from Rabindra Bharati University in India. Their son, Suman Lala, is a computer engineer.
Mihir Lala had a profound love for music since childhood. He began his musical training under Ustad Abu Bakkar Siddiqui. Later, he learned from legendary music gurus of the subcontinent. Finally, under the tutelage of Pandit Barin Majumdar, he became a bright star in the world of classical music.
This artiste, who earned the degree of 'Professor of Classical Music' from All India Music College, served as the principal of the subcontinent's traditional century-old music institutions Arya Sangeet Samiti and Surendra Sangeet Vidyapith until his death. He was also involved as a voice soldier of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra during Bangladesh's great war of independence. In 2018, he was awarded the National Academy of Fine and Performing Arts Award.
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