Shawdesh desk:

Legendary singer Andrew Kishore, who had been battling cancer, has passed away at the age of 65.

He breathed his last at 6:55 pm on Monday (today) while receiving treatment at a clinic in Rajshahi.

Andrew Kishore had been suffering from Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, along with kidney and hormone-related disease.

Andrew Kishore left behind his wife, a daughter, a son and a host of relatives to mourn his demise.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have expressed deep shock at the death of Andrew Kishore.

“Andrew Kishore remains alive in the hearts of the countrymen through his songs,” the PM said in the condolence message.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid also mourned Andrew Kishore’s death.

The legendary singer went to Singapore on September 9 last year and was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

After receiving treatment in Singapore, he returned home on June 11.

Born in Rajshahi, Andrew Kishore debuted in playback singing in the film Mail Train (1977) where he sang ‘Ochinpurer Rajkumari Nei Je Tar Keu’, composed by Saley Alam Khan.

Introduced by AHM Rafique, Andrew Kishore made his breakthrough by the song ‘Ek Chor Jay Choley’ from the film Protikkha, composed by Alam Khan.

His notable songs include ‘Jiboner Golpo Achhe Baki Olpo’, ‘Dak Diyachhen Doyal Amare’, ‘Haire Manush Rongin Fanush’, ‘Amar Shara Deho Kheyo Go Mati’, ‘Amar Buker Moddhe Khane’, ‘Amar Babar Mukhe Prothom Jedin Shunechilam Gan’, ‘Bhengeche Pinjor Meleche Dana’, and ‘Shobai To Bhalobasha Chae’.

Andrew Kishore won Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer eight times for the films Boro Bhalo Lok Chhilo (1982), Surrender (1987), Khotipuron (1989), Padma Meghna Jamuna (1991), Kabul (1996), Aaj Gaye Holud (2000), Saajghor (2007) and Ki Jadu Korila (2008).

Andrew Kishore studied at the University of Rajshahi. He started taking music lessons at the age of six under Abdul Aziz Bachchu, the then chief music director of Rajshahi Betar.

After the 1971 Liberation War, he was enlisted in the radio in Nazrul, Tagore, modern, folk and patriotic songs categories.