Orissa's most popular devotional singer and popularly known as 'Bhajan Samrat of Orissa' Bhikari Bal passed away at Cuttack late last night. He was 82 and suffering from many old-age illnesses since long. A legend, Bhikari Bal was an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath and excelled in Oriya bhajans world-wide. People from different walks of life, film industry, music fraternity and politicians of Orissa have deeply condoled the death of the 'Bhajan Samrat'. He was conferred many prestigious awards during his career. He also lent his voice as playback singer in many popular Oriya films like 'Abhilasha', 'Bhakta Salabega', 'Agni Parikshya', 'Mathura Vijaya', 'Amar Prem', 'Srikrushna Rasa Leela', 'Kie Kahara' and 'Kanakalata'.