Shillong Chamber Choir Founder Neil Nongkynrih Dies at 52

Guwahati: Shillong Chamber Choir founder and noted music composer Neil Nongkynrih died in Mumbai after a brief illness on Wednesday said Choir officials.

Neil and the entire Choir are in Mumbai for the past three months on work. "He was admitted at the hospital yesterday and passed away in the evening today after a surgery," said a spokesperson while speaking to media.

Notably, in 2015, Nongkynrih was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India.

Meanwhile, the mortal remains of Neil would be brought back to his home here as soon as all formalities in Mumbai are completed.

He also received the U Tirot Sing Award in 2011, the Forbes Person of the Year for 2010-11. He was a member of the Central Board of Film Certification from 2017 till the time of his death.

Neil Nongkynrih was born on 9 July, 1970, to former minister AH Scott Lyngdoh and Elvirial Nongkynrih. He studied music at the Trinity College and Guildhall School of Music in London. 

Taking to the micro-blogging site Twitter, Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma condoled the death and tweeted, ''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."