Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: Veteran Odia singer Geeta Patnaik, a beloved figure in Odisha’s music scene, has been hospitalised in critical condition after suffering a brain stroke.
According to sources, Patnaik fell ill while attending a literary event as a guest in Bhubaneswar on Thursday and was rushed to Capital Hospital. Medical tests confirmed that the singer had experienced a brain stroke. Following which, she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the state facility and later shifted to Cuttack.
“Her blood pressure shot up while she was attending an event at a media office. The doctors are saying that she suffered a brain hemorrhage and it is quite severe. But she is not dead. She is okay though the recovery and treatment will take some time,” her husband Gopal Batra said, rubbishing rumours of her death.
The news of her hospitalisation sparked widespread concern among her fans and fellow artistes with wishing her a speedy recovery on social media platforms. “The veteran singer has long been a member of the jury for Odisha state awards. Her condition is serious and I also spoke to the doctors treating her,” said actor Sritam Das after visiting her at the hospital.
He also denounced the fake news being circulated about her death.
Patnaik has been a prominent voice in Odia music since the 1970s, renowned for her soulful playback singing and collaborations, particularly with legendary singer Akshaya Mohanty. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on Odia film and non-film music. Some of her most iconic tracks include “Emiti Pua Ku Mu Baha Huenti”, “Baha Mu Hebi”, “Mo Dehare”, and popular duets such as “E Duniya Re Kehi Na Kehi”, “Joutuka Naba”, “Nagara Re Mora”, and “To Bainshi”.
