Guwahati, Dec 21 (IANS): Legendary singer Dipali Borthakur passed away at a city hospital on Friday afternoon, sources said. She was 78.

Popularly known as "Nightingale of Assam", Borthakur's death has left a vacuum in the state's cultural circle. A Padma Shri awardee, Borthakur has lent her voice to several popular Assamese songs.

Born in 1940, Borthakur started her musical career in 1958. She sang her first song when she was a student of class IX.

She was suffering from severe motor neuron disease which hindered her singing and forced her to the wheelchair. She sang her last song in 1969. In 1976 she got married to Neel Pawan Barua, an eminent artist and painter.

Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi mourned her death, saying the state has lost an able daughter. "She was an asset and her death is an irreparable loss for the society," Prof Mukhi said.

"Deeply saddened by the demise of noted singer Dipali Barthakur. Her enormous contributions enriched Assamese culture. My heartfelt condolences to her bereaved family and well-wishers," said Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.