BHUBANESWAR: Popular Oriya singer Mohammad Sikandar Alam, who was known for his devotional songs to the Hindu god Jagannath, has died of a heart attack, a family member said Monday. He was 71.
Alam, who had been admitted to a private hospital here Thursday after he complained of chest pain, died of a massive heart attack Sunday night.
He is survived by his widow Naima, and two daughters - actress Sophia and singer Nazia.
Alam was the president of Orissa Sangeet Natak Academy.
He sang in more then 50 Oriya films and has to his credit about 2,000 songs. Though a devout Muslim, Alam was widely known here for his devotional songs dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
"It was a great loss. Nobody can fill the void created by his death," said famous Oriya music director Laxmikanta Palit.
Alam was born July 27, 1939 at Cuttack, about 25 km from here.
He started performing for All India Radio (AIR) at the age of 18.