Renowned folk singer and Padma Shri awardee Sukri Bommagowda, also known as Sukrajji passed away at her home on Thursday morning. She took her last breath at Badageri village in Uttara Kannada district at the age of 88. As per reports, for the past few days, Sukrajji was under intense medical care at a Manipal hospital. The folk singer was often described as 'walking encyclopaedia' for her contribution to preserving folk traditions. As per reports, Sukrajji knew 5,000 folk songs and also was part of cultural documentation. 

In the 1980s, her hundreds of songs were recorded by Akashvani, which secured her legacy for future generations. Some reports suggest that she became a widow at the age of 16 and lost her husband due to alcohol addiction. After her husband's death, she started contributing to her community and bringing awareness to it. In 2017, she was honoured with Padma Shri for her contribution to folk art and culture. She was also honoured with Rajyotsava Award and Nadoja Award. 

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shared his condolences to the family and the folk fraternity. He tweeted, "The loss to the cultural world caused by the death of renowned folk singer Sukri Bommagowda cannot be compensated. She was a born artist. Music was the life of "Sukrajji", who became world famous through Halakki folk songs. Along with music, Sukri Bommagowda, who was also active in the anti-alcohol movement, has a life and achievements that are exemplary. Sukraji, who won the Padma Shri award for his services to the musical arts, was the recipient of several awards, including the Nadoja Award from Hampi University. I share in the grief of the relatives and friends who have lost Sukri Bommagowda. #SukriBommagowda."