Rabindra Sangeet legend Suchitra Mitra, died at her South Kolkata residence on Monday following cardiac arrest. She was 86, and is survived by a son.

Her powerful rendition of ‘Shonar Bangla Ami Tomai Bhalobashi’, which became the national anthem of Bangladesh, inspired many during the Liberation War in 1971. The number remains one of her most popular songs along with ‘Krishnakoli Ami Tareyi Boli’, ‘Tobu Mone Rekho’ and ‘Ekla Chalo Re’.

“renowned exponent of Rabindra Sangeet, a great name in the field of the performing arts, a creative genius and a versatile personality.”, said President Pratibha Patil, in a condolence message.

Born on Sept 19, 1924, Suchitra Mitra grew up in the aura of Tagore since childhood since her father Saurindra Mohan Mukherjee was close to the Tagore family.

Suchitra was honored with the Padma Shri in 1973 by the Government of India

She  received the Sangit Natak Academy Award in 1986.

She has received Tagore Hymn Prize in 1945 from London.