Classical singer Girija Devi hospitalised

Lucknow, May 11: Eminent classical singer and "Thumri" exponent Girija Devi was admitted to a hospital in

after the 85-year-old took ill, complaining of severe stomach ache, family members said Saturday.

The "Thumri queen" started vomiting at her Sanjay Nagar residence in Varanasi Friday evening. She was taken to Sir Sunderlal Hospital at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where she was admitted and several tests were conducted on her.

Family members told IANS that Girija Devi had complained of pain after which doctors advised some tests which concluded that she had infection in the gall bladder.

Doctors say she was out of danger and that a surgery would be performed on her after the bouts of vomiting subside and the infection in the bladder is cleared.

Her disciples and fans made a beeline to meet her.

Girija Devi from the Banaras gharana (school) has been credited with preserving and elevating the "Thumri" form of Indian classical singing and her repertoire includes the semi-classical genres "Kajri" and "Chaiti".

She was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972 and Padma Bhushan in 1989.

IANS