India classical singer dies at 97

Ms Hangal was a much feted musician

A leading Indian classical vocalist, Gangubai Hangal, has died aged 97 after a brief illness, doctors said.

Ms Hangal, who was a singer of Hindustani classical music was suffering from chest congestion and other problems.

She was a celebrated musician and won top awards, including India's prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi award for her contribution to music.

Ms Hangal is survived by her three sons and two daughters.

Ms Hangal's career was an "incredible saga of struggle to reach the pinnacle of a musical career," according to a report by the Press Trust of India news agency.

"[It was] dotted with poignant incidents of battling financial woes, ridicule by casteist neighbours and a constant battle between staving off hunger and delivering sublime music."