Talented musician Prithwi Raj passes away

Singer, music director and instrumentalist Prithwi Raj passed away yesterday at City Hospital at 4:30 am, due to a cardiac arrest, in his studio. He was only 34 at the time of passing. His brother, Ritu Raj, confirmed the news on social media. The untimely demise sent shockwaves, not only among family and friends, but colleagues, fellow musicians and everyone who knew the ever-smiling Prithwi.

Prithwi Raj, trained in classical music from childhood, was a prodigy in his craft. Encompassing a dream of becoming a full-time music producer, Prithwi made Jilapee Studios, and was notably successful in producing many hits. He was also the production in-charge for ABC Radio. “I am unable to accept this, it’s not fair at all! Please be well, Prithwi,” wrote veteran composer and musician Bappa Mazumder on social media, after uploading a picture with him from a few months back, when they worked on a project together.

“There was no doubt that Prithwi Raj was one of the biggest assets in the music industry,” wrote Pritom Hasan on his Facebook post, “His last work, Baje Shobhab, proved that you don’t need a big budget to produce super-hits.”

The singer studied in India with an ICCR scholarship. He was excited for his latest project, which was a collaboration of ABC Radio and India’s Friends FM for International Mother Language Day. The song will feature many talented artistes from India and Bangladesh. He was also working on many big projects, including the soundtrack and background scoring for a film.

Prithwi Raj’s Namaz-e-Janaza was held after Zuhr prayers yesterday, after which he was laid to rest in Azimpur graveyard in the presence of friends and family. Even though he is no more with us, he will live through his outstanding work in a short, but meaningful career. The Daily Star wishes eternal peace for the departed soul, and sends its heartfelt condolences to the family.