The performer of village squares who took folk storytelling to a global stage

A wave of grief swept across the Indian art and cultural community following the demise of legendary Pandwani singer and Padma Vibhushan awardee, Teejan Bai, who passed away at AIIMS Raipur on Sunday after battling a prolonged illness.

- EJAZ KAISER @ Raipur

Wrapped in a traditional saree, holding her tambura like a warrior’s weapon—alternatingly wielding it as Bhima’s mace or Arjuna’s bow—she kept performing in village squares. Her raw, electrifying storytelling eventually caught the attention of cultural talent scouts in the late 1970s, paving her way to New Delhi. And there was no looking back.