Legendary Pandavani folk singer Teejan Bai, one of India's most celebrated folk artists and a Padma Vibhushan awardee, passed away at the age of 70 after a prolonged illness.

The veteran artist had reportedly been battling health issues for a long time and was admitted to the ICU a few months ago after her condition deteriorated. 

Reports said she had been suffering from paralysis since 2024 and had difficulty consuming solid food in recent months.

Who is Teejan Bai ?

• Born on August 8, 1956, in Ganiyari village near Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, Teejan Bai belonged to the Pardhi tribal community.

• She learned Pandavani by listening to her grandfather narrate the Mahabharata in Chhattisgarhi and later received formal training under Umed Singh Deshmukh.

• She gave her first public performance at the age of 13.

• At a time when women traditionally performed Pandavani in the seated Vedamati style, she broke convention by adopting the standing Kapalik style, performing with a tambura in hand.

• Her powerful and expressive performances redefined Pandavani and inspired generations of women to pursue folk art.

Her decision to perform publicly, however, invited opposition from her own community. 

Following her child marriage, she was ostracised and forced to live independently, borrowing food and household utensils from neighbours while continuing her pursuit of folk art

A turning point in her career came when renowned theatre personality Habib Tanvir introduced her work to wider audiences.

Recognition & International Journey 

• Performed before then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, earning national recognition.
• Represented India at cultural festivals across Europe, Asia and Africa, taking Pandavani to global audiences.
• Featured in Shyam Benegal's acclaimed television series Bharat Ek Khoj.
• Played a key role in taking Pandavani from rural Chhattisgarh to the international stage.

Major Awards & Honours

• Padma Shri (1988): Honoured for her contribution to Indian folk arts.
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1995): Recognised for her excellence in traditional performing arts.
• Padma Bhushan (2003): India's third-highest civilian honour for her contribution to culture.
• Fukuoka Prize (2018): International recognition for preserving and promoting Asian cultural heritage.
• Padma Vibhushan (2019): India's second-highest civilian award for her outstanding contribution to Indian folk culture.