Noted Punjabi lyricist Inderjit Singh Hassanpuri passed away

Noted Punjabi poet, singer, lyricist and film script writer Inderjit Singh Hassanpuri, died at local private hospital after a brief illness. He was 80.

Singh is survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter, his family said.

Meanwhile, Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Hassanpuri.

In his condolence message, Badal recalled the outstanding contribution of Hassanpuri towards the promotion of Punjabi language and literature throughout his life.

He described him as "an institution" who worked tirelessly for Punjab, Punjabi and 'Punjabiat'.

"In the death of Hassanpuri, a void has been created in the literary circle which was difficult to be filled", Badal said.

The chief minister also expressed his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.