SATV, Kathmandu, Oct.8- Veteran singer, composer, lyricist and playwright Ratna Behoshi, also known as Ratna Bajracharya, has died at the age of 91.

Behoshi, who made significant contributions to Nepali and Nepal Bhasa music for more than six decades, died on Wednesday, according to Surajbir Bajracharya, former president of the Newa: Journalists’ Association and a media professional.

Behoshi was active as a singer, composer, lyricist and playwright and is remembered as an important figure in both Nepali and Nepal Bhasa music.

He was among the pioneering singers associated with the early history of Radio Nepal. In 1956, he passed the radio station’s voice audition and was given the opportunity to sing live on air on the same day.

He was selected as a solo singer from among 17 contestants, marking the beginning of a career that would remain closely connected with the development of Nepali radio music.

Among his best-known songs are Malai Mero Deshko Sindoor Launa Man Chha, which he sang with Bharati Upadhyay, and the popular Nepal Bhasa song Su Madugu Taak Swoya Wa, which he performed with Tirath Kumari Thapa.

Born and raised in Bhimchhal, Patan, Ratna Behoshi later lived in Bhol Dhoka.

He is survived by two sons, Anand and Chetan, and daughter Munu Bajracharya.

His final rites were performed at Pashupati Aryaghat on Wednesday. Before the cremation, his body was kept at Nepal Bhasa Manka Khala in Tyagal for people to pay their final respects.