In yet another tragic COVID-19-related death in the entertainment industry, popular Odia playback singer Tapu Mishra passed away due to complications as a result of the infection while she was undergoing treatment at a private hospital. She was 36. Her father too had recently died due to the novel coronavirus on May 10. Tapu had breathed her last on Saturday night, her family said in a statement. Her oxygen levels dropped to 45 at a drastic pace and was subsequently put on ventilator support two days back. 

Tapu's health report also states that her lungs too had sustained extensive damages and had been admitted to the hospital on May 19. Soon after hearing the news of Tapu's condition, the Odisha Culture Department sanctioned Rs 1 lakh for her treatment from the Artistes' Welfare Fund after her family made plans to move her to Kolkata for ECMO treatment. Likewise, several notable people in the Odia film industry or Ollywood began to step forward to raise funds for her treatment. 

Making her debut in the Odia film, Kulanandan, Tapu Mishra has so far sung in over 150 films, including several bhajans and devotional songs in her career that has spanned over two decades. The news of her death has come as a major shock for the Odia film industry as celebrities and fans have been expressing their condolences on social media. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted, "Saddened to know about the passing away of popular Odia singer Tapu Mishra. Her memories as a singer will always be remembered in the Odia music world. Heartfelt condolences to her family and friends."