By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Rani Paul, noted Assamese and Bengali singer and actress passed away at a city hospital on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.
Paul, 84, a resident of Madan Laban was the first female singer to broadcast Assamese songs in radio.
Paul’s mother was a Khasi, D. Kharwanlang, a follower of Brahmo Samaj from Cherrapunjee, and father CN Paul, a health officer who had served in Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
Born at Shella, Paul was a versatile artist who sang Assamese and Bengali songs at ease.
She had also worked under the guidance of Bengali musicians, Hemanta Mukherjee and Shyamal Mitra.
“Jonbair Deshotey Sajim Gaon Ekhoni Torare Jolame Chaki” and “Karengar Podulith Bokul Dalot Pakhi Binaye Bonayre Pokhi” are two famous Assamese hit songs sung by Paul among many others.
She also took part in the freedom movement.
Though the Assam Government felicitated her a few years ago the Government of Meghalaya failed to recognise her talent, even though she was a resident
of Shillong.
At the fag-end of her life, Paul was facing financial hardships.
Paul acted and sang in many plays including ‘Bhooka Hain Bangal’. The play on World War-II was performed at Opera Hall in Shillong.
She also sang and acted in Assamese film ‘Piyoli Phukan’.
