‘Artiste never dies, only body has left us’: Ollywood mourns Tapu Mishra’s demise

Bhubaneswar: Entire Ollywood is mourning the early departure of popular playback singer Tapu Mishra, who lost battle to deadly COVID-19 yesterday night.

Her body was consigned to flame at Satyanagar Crematorium today morning.

Her family members and many Ollywood actors were present at the crematorium to pay last respect to the singer.

“An artiste never dies. Only her body has left us, but she will remain immortal through her music and songs, said actor-turned-politician Elina Dash.

The 36-year-old Tapu was on ventilator support for treatment after being infected with COVID-19. She was hospitalised since May 19. The young artiste breathed her last at 11.00 PM on Saturday.

Minutes after death of Tapu Mishra at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, heartfelt condolences poured in from all quarters.

“Tapu, no one can believe that you will go like this. Another star has risen in the sky today. We could not do anything. Rest in peace dear. Om Shanti,” wrote actor Sabyasachi Mishra, who is working for people during COVID pandemic.

Actor-turned-politician Anubhav Mohanty also remembered his past days when he had met Tapu in a film.

“Not only she (Tapu) was the finest singer, but also she was a compassionate human being. I was in constant touch with hospital doctors attending to Tapu Mishra and was inquiring about her health condition. I was pained to hear that she was in very critical condition, but I was not able to express it before anyone. I was praying for her recovery, but she lost battle, said Anubhav Mohanty, who had made debut in Ollywood with the movie ‘I Love You’, in which Tapu debuted in Odia film industry as the young playback singer.

Expressing grief over death of Tapu, actor Varsha Priyadarshini wrote: “Tapu! You will always be remembered. The death of Tapu Mishra, a famous vocalist, due to COVID, is an irreparable loss for the Odia music and also for me. My condolences to her family and friends and my prayers to the Lord for her soul. Her fame in the world of Odia music will always be remembered.