Neil Nongkynrih, founder, mentor and conductor of Shillong Chamber Choir from Meghalaya passed away on Thursday at a hospital in Mumbai, sources said. He was 51.
"It is with deep sorrow that we, the members and management of the Shillong Chamber Choir, announce the death of our beloved founder and music director, Mr Neil Nongkynrih," the Shillong Chamber Choir said in a statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the bereaved family in a tweet:
"Mr. Neil Nongkynrih was an outstanding mentor to the Shillong Chamber Choir, which enthralled audiences globally. I have also witnessed some of their superb performances. He left us too soon. His creativity will always be remembered. Condolences to his family and admirers. RIP."
Neil, a celebrated concert pianist, was born on July 9, 1970, in Shillong, capital of Meghalaya. He was honoured and awarded Padma Shri in 2015. Shillong Chamber Choir won the reality show India's Got Talent in 2010.
"Uncle Neil was the life force of our world, a towering personality whose music, through the choir he so fondly nurtured, reached the ears of Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ambassadors, and some of the biggest names in the worlds of sports, culture, business, music, and film," the Choir said.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma condoled the death and said the country has lost a gem.
"I am saddened beyond words by the sudden demise of Padma Shri Neil Nongkynrih, founder of the famous Shillong Chamber Choir. He was a mentor to the country's finest choir that serenaded crowds wherever they performed. We have lost a gem today," Conrad said in a Twitter post.
According to reports, he was treated at Reliance Hospital in Mumbai.