Lucknow, July 5 -- Folk singer Malini Awasthi paid an emotional tribute to Padma Vibhushan awardee and legendary Pandavani exponent Teejan Bai, remembering her as an artist who took India's folk storytelling tradition to the global stage decades before it became widely recognised.

Speaking after the celebrated folk icon's demise, Awasthi said Teejan Bai's contribution to Indian culture would continue to inspire generations of artists.

Speaking about the late artist's role in taking folk culture to the world, Awasthi said she "championed" one of India's greatest traditions and recalled how Teejan Bai represented the country at international events long before Indian folk art gained widespread global attention.

"Today, we received the de...