Acclaimed Singer Papia Sarwar Passes Away at 72

Bangladeshi Singer Papia Sarwar

The beloved singer, who had been battling cancer for the past three years, passed away around 8 am, as confirmed by her husband, Sarwar Alam.

Sarwar, who won the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2021, had been receiving critical care in the hospital’s ICU and had been placed on life support after her health deteriorated on Wednesday.

She leaves behind her husband, Sarwar Alam, and two daughters, Zaara and Jisha Sarwar.

Born on November 21, 1952, in Barisal into a musically rich family, Papia Sarwar developed a deep love for music early in life. In 1973, she was awarded a government scholarship to pursue Rabindra Sangeet at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, India, making her the first recipient of this honor after the country’s independence.

Papia’s musical journey began in 1966 when she began her formal training at Chhayanaut under the guidance of prominent mentors such as Atiqul Islam, Waheedul Haq, Sanjida Khatun, and Zahidur Rahim. She later honed her skills at the Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA), continuing to shape her musical identity.

Over the years, Sarwar’s profound contribution to Rabindra Sangeet earned her recognition both in Bangladesh and internationally. In 1996, she founded the music group Geetosudha, aiming to nurture and inspire new generations of Rabindra Sangeet enthusiasts.

Papia Sarwar also achieved notable fame for her modern song "Nai Telephone Nai Re Peon Nai Re Telegram," which became a favorite among Bengali music lovers. Her regular appearances on television further cemented her status as a beloved figure in the cultural landscape.

In recognition of her immense contributions to Bangladesh’s music scene, Sarwar received several prestigious awards, including the Rabindra Award from Bangla Academy in 2013, a Bangla Academy Fellowship in 2015, and, posthumously, the Ekushey Padak in 2021.

Papia Sarwar’s legacy will continue to inspire music lovers and artists for generations to come.