Kolkata:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said she was "deeply pained" to hear the news of the death of sitar maestro and composer Pandit Ravi Shankar in a US hospital.
"I am deeply pained to hear the news of demise...," Ms Banerjee said on her Facebook page.
The Bharat Ratna awardee's renditions in sitar had enthralled audiences all over the world. "His passing away will create an irreparable void in music and performing arts," Ms Banerjee said.
"His deep rooted bond with Bengal will be treasured forever in our hearts. Today, in this moment of grief, I extend my heartfelt condolence to the family members of Panditji. May the almighty give them enough courage and resilience to bear this loss," she added.
Ravi Shankar, 92 had been admitted to the Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, San Diego last Thursday after he complained of breathing difficulties. He breathed his last at 4.30 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday.