Legendary Hindi poet Gopal Das Neeraj dies at 93
He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007.
Legendary Hindi poet and lyricist Gopal Das Neeraj died at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, on Thursday. He was 93.
Neeraj was admitted to the AIIMS trauma centre on Wednesday night for a head injury after he fell down at his house in Agra, Dr Rajesh Malhotra told PTI. “He had kidney failure, infection all over his body and head injury,” he added. “He passed away today [Thursday] around 7.30 pm.”
Neeraj has written songs for several Bollywood films. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007.
Political leaders offered their condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Neeraj’s work “unforgettable gems” while Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said the death was an “irreparable loss” to the literary world. Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav tweeted a picture with the legend.
Saddened by the demise of noted poet and lyricist Shri Gopaldas ‘Neeraj.’
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 19, 2018
Shri Neeraj's unique style connected him with people from all walks of life, across generations. His works are unforgettable gems, which will live on and inspire many. Condolences to his admirers.
महान कवि श्री गोपालदास ‘नीरज’ जी के महाप्रयाण पर अश्रुपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि! उनके अमर गीत हमेशा-हमेशा हमारी स्मृतियों में गूँजते रहेंगे... कारवाँ गुज़र गया... pic.twitter.com/BzEh6QWphu
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) July 19, 2018
Sad to hear of the passing of veteran poet and lyricist Gopal Das Neeraj. From “Prem Pujari” to “Cha Cha Cha” his compositions and film songs are still remembered, still heard and still stir the soul.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 19, 2018
Condolences to his family, friends and admirers #PresidentKovind
