`Lavani Queen' singer Sulochana Chavan passes away at 92

Renowned Marathi Lavani singer Sulochana Chavan passed away in Mumbai on Saturday due to age-related ailments, her family said.

Chavan, 92, was a Padma Shri recipient.

She breathed her last at her south Mumbai residence, her son and Dholki player Vijay Chavan said.

Known as `Lavani Samradnyi' (Queen of Lavani), Sulochana Chavan was one of the most well-known singers in this traditional Maharashtrian musical genre closely associated with the folk theatre form `Tamasha'.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as well as Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari condoled her death.

"Smt Sulochana-tai Chavan was the undisputed Queen of Lavani. She infused life in the poetry and immortalized many Lavanis on the strength of her unique voice and diction. Her beautiful voice will live on for many more years. I offer my homage to the great singer and convey my condolences to Shri Vijay Chavan and other members of the bereaved family," he said in a message.

Chief Minister Shinde in his condolence message said Chavan's death has left a void in the field of Lavani, folk art and music.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Ajit Pawar also paid tributes to the late singer.