Odia singer Abhijit Majumdar dies at 54 after cardiac arrest

Hospital authorities said Abhijit Majumdar died despite prolonged medical intervention following a sudden cardiac arrest. According to an official medical bulletin issued by AIIMS Bhubaneswar, the singer suffered a cardiac arrest at 7.43 am. Doctors immediately initiated resuscitation procedures in line with Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support guidelines, but he was declared clinically dead at 9.02 am.

Majumdar had been admitted to the hospital on 4 September 2025 after being diagnosed with multiple underlying health conditions, including hypertension, hypothyroidism and chronic liver disease. He remained in intensive care for an extended period before being shifted to the general medicine ward on 10 November for continued treatment, hospital officials said.

In a statement, AIIMS said the musician developed a fresh infection on 23 January, marked by the onset of fever. The condition was treated in accordance with standard medical protocols. However, his health deteriorated rapidly, and he went on to develop refractory septic shock, a severe and life-threatening response to infection.

“The Odia singer suffered a cardiac arrest this morning at 7.43 am, and CPR was started as per ACLS protocol. However, despite all the resuscitation efforts, he was clinically declared dead at 9.02 am,” the hospital bulletin said.

Abhijit Majumdar was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the Odia music industry. Over a career spanning several decades, he composed music for numerous Odia-language films, many of which achieved commercial success. He was also known for lending his voice to a large number of popular songs, earning him a loyal following across the state of Odisha and among Odia-speaking audiences elsewhere in India.

His work was seen as playing a significant role in shaping contemporary Odia film music, blending traditional influences with modern arrangements. Colleagues and admirers described him as a versatile composer who could move comfortably across musical styles while retaining a distinctive personal touch.

News of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, fellow artists and fans. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said Majumdar’s death was a major loss to the state’s cultural life.

“I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of renowned vocalist and music director Abhijit Majumdar. His demise is an irreparable loss to our music, cinema, and culture,” Mr Majhi said in a message posted on social media. He added that he prayed for the peace of the departed soul and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

Former Odisha chief minister and current Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik also expressed his grief, saying Majumdar’s contributions to Odia music would always be remembered. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described the musician’s death as an “irreparable loss for the Odia artiste fraternity”, noting that his unique musical style had left a lasting impact over several decades.

Several figures from the Odia film and music industries also shared messages of condolence, recalling Majumdar’s professionalism and his role in mentoring younger musicians.

Majumdar is survived by his wife, Ranjita Majumdar, and their son, according to family members. The family said his mortal remains would be taken to his residence in the city of Cuttack, where his last rites would be performed.

Before his hospitalisation, Majumdar remained active on social media, where he shared moments from his professional life and personal travels. He had built a substantial online following, reflecting his enduring popularity among listeners.

Context

Abhijit Majumdar’s death comes as a significant moment for the Odia music industry, which has seen rapid change in recent years with the growth of digital platforms and wider national exposure for regional music. As one of the most recognisable names in Odia film music, Majumdar represented a generation of composers who helped bring regional soundtracks to mainstream audiences.

His passing highlights the broader challenges faced by ageing artists dealing with long-term health conditions while remaining professionally active. For many in Odisha, his songs remain closely associated with popular cinema and cultural memory, ensuring that his musical legacy is likely to endure beyond his lifetime.