The art fraternity in Karnataka and across the world will miss the singer and her singing style,' lamented Karnad.

Hangal was unwell for the past one month and was admitted at Lifeline Emergency Care Centre in Hubli on Thursday, family sources said.

She died at 7.10 a.m. at the hospital. Close family members, including her three sons and two daughters, were by her side when she died.

The doyen of the Kirana Gharana was awarded India's prestigious civilian honours of Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan in 1971 and 2002, respectively.

'She was an inspiration for all of us. The music world will be poorer now, after the death of the icon,' said C. Aswath, veteran Kannada music composer.

'I have no words to express my sadness. She was a guide and guru for all singers and music composers across Karnataka. I am extremely saddened by Hangal's death,' said Kannada singer Pallavi.