Renowned Indian classical singer Kishori Amonkar dies at 86

Well-known Indian classical singer Kishori Amonkar Tuesday died at her home in Mumbai late Monday night, aged 86, her family said Tuesday.

Amonkar, who followed the classical Hindustani school of singing and entertained audiences with her soulful singing for over six decades, passed away, following a brief illness, the family said.

Born on April 10, 1932, in Mumbai, Amonkar started training at an early age under the guidance of her mother Mogubai Kurdikar who was also a renowned vocalist.

She was celebrated for the "emotional appeal" of her songs as well as her ability to create her own distinctive style by drawing influence from different schools of music.

A doyen of classical music, Amonkar received two of India's top civilian honours, Padma Bhushan in 1987 and Padma Vibhushan in 2002, in recognition of her contribution to music.

Many, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have taken to social media to condole her death.

"Demise of Kishori Amonkar is an irreparable loss to Indian classical music. Deeply pained by her demise. May her soul rest in peace," Modi tweeted.

"Sad to know the demise of #kishoriAmonkar doyen of Indian classical singer, her music will remain immortal through her songs," Bollywood filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted. Endit