Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur
Raipur, May 29: Renowned Pandwani artist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Teejan Bai is currently battling for her life at AIIMS Raipur, where she has been admitted to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) in critical condition.
The 69-year-old folk legend was rushed to the hospital late Wednesday night after her health suddenly deteriorated. Doctors treating her have described her condition as extremely serious.
According to hospital sources, Teejan Bai is suffering from a severe lung infection, bloodstream infection (sepsis), and acute kidney injury. Medical officials said her blood pressure has remained consistently low, while persistent infections continue to complicate her recovery.
A specialised team of doctors, including critical care experts, pulmonologists, and haematologists, is monitoring her condition round the clock and providing intensive treatment.
Hospital authorities stated that she was brought to AIIMS in a critical state and was immediately shifted to the MICU after an initial medical assessment. Although doctors have managed to stabilise her condition to some extent, they remain cautious as the danger has not yet passed.
Born in 1956 in Ganiyari village near Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, Teejan Bai rose from modest beginnings to become one of India’s most celebrated folk performers.
She is internationally recognised for popularising Pandwani — the traditional storytelling folk art of Chhattisgarh that narrates episodes from the Mahabharata through dramatic singing and expressive performance.
Her powerful voice, emotional storytelling, and energetic stage presence helped bring the centuries-old folk tradition to national and global audiences.
Over the course of her remarkable career, Teejan Bai received several of India’s highest civilian honours for her contribution to art and culture. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2003, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2019. She also received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1995.
News of her critical health condition has sparked concern and emotional reactions across Chhattisgarh and the country’s cultural fraternity. Artists, admirers, political leaders, and well-wishers from across India have been praying for her speedy recovery.
The Chhattisgarh government, along with AIIMS Raipur authorities, is ensuring that the veteran artist receives all possible medical assistance.
As Teejan Bai continues her fight for recovery, countless supporters across the nation are hoping for the return of the iconic voice that brought the timeless stories of the Mahabharata alive through Pandwani.