Indian Singer’s Untimely Demise Breaks the Hearts of Millions

The Odia music industry is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved voices, Humane Sagar, whose untimely passing has left millions heartbroken. Sagar died on November 17, 2025, at the age of 36 due to multi-organ dysfunction syndrome at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, eastern India.

Fr. Ajay Kumar Singh, a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar and a human rights activist, recalled his early encounter with the young singer:  "Before I met Humane Sagar, I hadn’t known him. We recorded a song for communal harmony in Kandhamal after the 2008 violence, at Pankaj Jal’s studio in Titlagarh, organized by Sudhir Das. At the time, Pankaj Jal was mentoring him. He went on to achieve so much and later moved to Cuttack. His passing at just 36 is a tragic loss. I remember him as a simple and humble soul. Humane, rest in peace."

Sharing similar grief, Pradeep Kumar Nayak, a retired principal from Odisha, said:  "Humane Sagar’s untimely death is a big shock for millions of music lovers in Odisha and beyond. His mellifluous voice, timbre, and versatility across genres catapulted him to the peak of fame in a short time. A singer like him is born only once in millions. May God grant eternal rest to his soul."

Sagar’s rise to fame began in 2012, when he won Voice of Odisha Season 2 on Tarang TV, a regional satellite channel. His deep and soulful voice won the hearts of judges and viewers alike. Among the contestants was Shriya Mishra, whom he later married in 2017. The couple welcomed a daughter.

Born into a family of musicians, Sagar grew up surrounded by music—his parents were singers, and his grandfather composed private albums. Though academically gifted and admitted to MBBS after cracking the medical entrance exam, he soon realized his true calling was music.

Sagar made his playback debut with the title track of “Ishq Tu Hi Tu” (2015), composed by Abhijit Majumdar. The song became an instant hit, establishing him as a leading voice in the Odia film industry. He went on to record hundreds of songs for Odia films, including memorable hits in “Baby,” “Abhaya,” and “Agastya.”

Beyond films, he created several beloved independent albums such as “Tuma Otha Tale,” “Niswasa,” “Bekhudee,” and “Chehera.” His Hindi album “Mera Yeh Jahan” expanded his fan base beyond Odisha.

"He sang many Christian songs that are cherished today," said Bhanjakishore Nayak, a singer-priest of the archdiocese.

Humane Sagar’s voice touched countless hearts, and his sudden departure leaves a void that the Odia music world will feel for years to come. His legacy lives on through the songs that continue to inspire and comfort millions.