Cuttack, July 13: Renowned playback singer Srikanta Das, best known for his hit song “Bata Chhaada Aasuchi Dasara Bazaar Medha...”, passed away due to cardiac arrest at the age of 79. The legendary voice of Odisha breathed his last at his residence in Sheikh Bazaar, Cuttack, around 9 PM last night.

Das was surrounded by loved ones including his son Gurupada Das, daughter Bhaktilata Das, and other family members during his final moments. His funeral rites are scheduled to take place today at Sati Chauraha Crematory.

Born on May 16, 1946, in Matiya village of Kendrapara district, Srikanta Das pursued education at Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Stewart Science College, and MS Law College. Though he served in UCO Bank from 1973 to 2006, his heart remained devoted to music.

Trained under musical stalwarts such as Akshaya Mohanty and Adi Narayan Rao, Das emerged as a gifted voice in Odia cinema.

Encouraged by music directors Rakhal Chandra Mohanty and Swaroop Nayak, he lent his vocals to numerous film soundtracks, earning widespread admiration.

His death has cast a deep shadow across the Ollywood fraternity, with fans and fellow artists mourning the loss of an irreplaceable voice.