Hubli: Doyen of Hindustani vocal music Gangubai Hangal, who mesmerised audiences with her melodious voice for over six decades, died at a Gangubai Hangal hospital here on July 21 after a brief illness.

The condition of 97-year-old Gangubai, who was suffering from severe chest congestion and anemia, turned critical last night and she was put on life support system, her physician Dr Asho Kalamadani said.

Gangubai, hospitalised since June 3, had returned home on July 12 but was re-admitted to the hospital two days later and shifted to a super-speciality hospital on Thursday last after her condition became serious.

"The end came at 7.10am," Gangubai's grandson Manoj Hangal said. The frail-looking Hindustani musical genius had been ailing for sometime now.

On December 15, 2005 Gangubai, affectionately known as "Baiji" among the music fraternity, gave her first concert to a select audience after recovering from cancer and had been performing since then.

Undeterred by her failing health, the renowned musician was still teaching music to her disciples who came from as far as Mumbai and Sangli in Maharashtra.

Recipient of many international accolades and national awards including Padma Vibhushan and Tansen award, Gangubai continued to keep in touch with her "gurubhai" Bharat Ratna winner Pandit Bhimsen Joshi along with Pandit Rambhau Kundgolkar, also known as Sawai Gandharva.