SHILLONG, Jan 6: A rare guiding star, irreparable loss and an inspiration for thousands — the sudden demise of the iconic music maestro and founder of Shillong Chamber Choir (SCC), Neil Nongkynrih, has cast a pall of sorrow among the musicians, artists and public in the state.
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan in his condolence message wrote, “My dear William, It is with the deepest regret that I write to you and the entire choir, on the passing of Neil Nongkynrih. My condolences and my prayers”.
“Neil was such a passionate founder of the Shillong Chamber Choir and the few occasions that I had the privilege to spend time with him were so enlightening. He was such a gentle loving soul and so compassionate with all he came in contact with. It is difficult to believe that he has left us.
We had been discussing the possibilities of the choir and him joining up with me to put some of my father’s works to music and recitation. I guess that shall remain just a dream now, sadly”.
“My prayers and condolences again. May his soul rest in peace”.
Tamil Nadu governor in his Tweet expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the choir members on the demise of Padma Shri Neil Nongkynrih. He wrote, “The nation has lost a great pianist and a highly creative music genius. May his soul rest in peace.”
“I feel like shedding tears when I remember all those times when we had together at his residence and in many other concerts that we were together,” said Snow White front man, Timmy Kharhujon, as he fondly recalled his association with the maestro.
“Having people like Bah Neil is a privilege for us. It is a great loss to the music scenario in Shillong because I feel that if he would have been there for a longer time, then the younger generation would have been groom more and more and take the music industry in Shillong to the next level,” Kharhujon added.
“It is not only me who was inspired by Bah Neil’s being here in Shillong, even my band members — base guitarist Donboklang Ryntathiang and Late Malfulson Lyngdoh, we three were involved in some of the concerts with Bah Neil. We feel that we would probably never find another person like him,” the Snow White front man added.
Noted director, producer, writer and filmmaker, Pradip Kurbah, said, “We have lost a gem in Bah Neil. A legend in the music community of Shillong and the world. He was a true spirit of North East. Bah Neil, you will be missed but your soulful music will live on”. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and choir members.”
Renowned performing artist from Shillong, Lou Majaw, said, “He was always a pleasant guy. Whenever we’d meet, he would come up to me and proposed working together and I told him that I am always open.”
“See, when people have to go, they have to go because death has no age. But he has contributed a lot to the state and the country and he will be remembered,” he added.
Another noted artist from Meghalaya, Benedict Hynniewta said, “I am really sad and shocked to learn the news. His passing away is a great loss — irreplaceable. It is a loss not only to Meghalaya, but to the entire country.”
“He’s a maestro from a small town of Shillong and he has taken his music to heights of international platforms and transcending cultural barriers, identities and borders. He has taken his music up to the moon when his famous rendition of Vande Mataram was played during the live telecast programme Indian space rocket Chandrayaan-2 landing on the moon. I am sure his melodies will always be alive and shall always resound from high above the skies” .
Guitarist and vocalist of Summersalt, Kit Shangpliang, said, “I am deeply saddened by the news. It is a loss to the creative community and the music lovers. There is an element of music that is lost because of his demise.”
“I am thankful to him that we have learnt a lesson on humility and open minded to the fact that creativity is endless and limitless. I will always remember him as a brilliant artist, a very unique composer. He took the music from the hills — not just Meghalaya but North East, to the world. We are indebted. It is going to be a sad year for the artist and creative community,” he added.
“I have known Neil’s family since 1980s. We are proud of his contribution to the music industry of Meghalaya and had taken the music scene in the state to a different level, be it at the national or international arena. I convey my condolences to his family, especially bah Scott and his wife, and I pray for the eternal rest of his soul,” said eminent artist, Raphael Warjri
Another filmmaker from Jaintia Hills, Simi Khongtiang, said, “We have a great soul. Uncle Neil Nongkynrih was a man who shaped the music scene in the state. He left behind a legacy which we will remember and cherish forever.”
Singer-songwriter Carmel B Dohling said, “It is such a great loss for the state and the country with the sudden demise of a great musician. His contribution towards music has been immense and it will not be the same without him. He will be greatly missed. May his soul rest in peace.” Former diplomat Rudy Warjri said, “I mourn and grieve the untimely death of Neil. Thinking about him, some of the things that come to my mind prominently are these — as a musical genius, he created an institution around himself which last forever, perhaps eternally because the originality by which he brought in it — the fusion makes his brand of music to reach all sorts of taste and this makes it interesting and unique.” (Contd on P-4)