Veteran lyricist of Odia cine industry Gurukrushna Goswami passed away on Sunday morning following protracted illness at his residence at Shivaji Nagar here. He was 85 and is survived by his wife and two sons.
Born on May 6, 1934 at Nuagaon in Baripada town, Goswami was associated with the Odia music industry for over six decades. He was a scriptwriter, a lyricist and a music director.
He made his debut as a lyricist in Ollywood in the film ‘Maa’ released in 1958. The songs in the films including ‘Arundhanti’, ‘Suryamukhi’, ‘Kiye Kahar’, ‘Gapa Helebi Sata’, ‘Jeban Saathi’, ‘Agni Pariksha’, ‘Samay’, ‘Priyatama’, ‘Ranabhumi’ and ‘Pathara Khasuchi Bada Deulu’ are the most popular lyrics ever in the industry. He had also penned two films, ‘Arundhanti’ and ‘Suryamukhi’.
Goswami had received the Best lyricist award in 1996, Bhakta Kabi Salabeg award and Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi (OSNA) Award in the year 2000 for his immense contribution to the Odia music industry.