Popular Marathi Lavani singer Sulochana Chavan passes away at the age of 92

Renowned Marathi singer Sulochana Chavan passed away on Saturday, December 10 after long illness. According to Marathi media reports, Chavan, 92, was ill for the past few days and passed away on Saturday at her Fanas Wadi residence in Girgaon, Mumbai. Chavan’s son, Vijay Chavan, confirmed that his mother had breathed her last around 12 pm.

As per reports, Chavan sustained an injury to her lumbar bone, following which she underwent an operation. However, she was unwell for a past few weeks even before the injury, and her condition was critical for a few days. The last rites for Chavan will be performed at around 3 pm at the cremation ground at Marine Lines in Mumbai.

Who was Sulochana Chavan?
Sulochana Chavan was known for her soulful Lavani folk songs. She had a successful singing career of nearly six decades. She was one of the cornerstones of Marathi folk music throughout her life, and along with the Mangeshkar sisters, Chavan was among the greatest female singers in Marathi history.


Chavan was awarded the Padma Shree, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in March 2022. She was single-handedly responsible for keeping alive and popularizing the Lavani genre of Marathi folk music, which is a genre that combines traditional Marathi songs and dance, especially on the beats of a Dholki.

Her first Lavani song was Mala Ho Mhantat Lavangi Mirchi from the movie Rangalya Raatri Asha (1962). Apart from Marathi, she also sang superhit songs in Hindi, like Chori Chori Aag Si Dil Mein lagake (1951) and Ulfat jisay kehtay hain, jeenay ka sahaara hai (1951).

1. When did Sulochana Chavan die?
   Saturday, December 10.
2. What was Sulochana Chavan’s first Lavani song?
   Mala Ho Mhantat Lavangi Mirchi (1962).