Mortal remains of Neil Nongkynrih, founder of the Shillong Chamber Choir, arrived at his residence in Shillong in the wee hours of Friday. 

Neil’s body was received by a host of relatives and friends at his residence at around 2:30am. 

Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!

Mortal remains of Neil Nongkynrih had earlier arrived at the LGBI airport in Guwahati from Mumbai at around 9:30pm on Thursday. 

Relatives of Neil Nongkynrih received his body at the LGBI airport in Guwahati and was directly taken to Shillong after completion of formalities at the airport. 

Also read: Meghalaya rules out possibility of lockdown, extends winter vacation till January 24

Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!

Funeral of Neil Nongkynrih has been scheduled for Saturday. 

Top personalities from Meghalaya and the Northeast are expected to attend the funeral. 

Emotional scenes gripped the residence of Neil Nongkynrih in Shillong as his body reached his residence.

Renowned concert pianist and the founder of the Shillong Chamber Choir, Neil Nongkynrih passed away on Wednesday in Mumbai at the age of 51. 

Nongkynrih and the Choir were in Mumbai since November 2021 as they were working on a spiritual album. 

Also read: Uncle Neil was the life force of our world: Shillong Chamber Choir

Nongkynrih was born on July 9, 1970, to former Meghalaya minister and former chief secretary of Mizoram AH Scott Lyngdoh and Elvirial Nongkynrih. 

Nongkynrih was the first professional musician from his family. 

His grand-aunt had introduced him to Mozart and Beethoven and he learnt most of his initial lessons from his sister Pauline Nongkynrih, a jazz musician. 

In 1988 Nongkynrih left for Great Britain to study music. 

Also read: Border disputes with Arunachal, Meghalaya will get over by end of 2022: Assam CM

He studied music at the Trinity College and Guildhall School of Music in London. 

Apart from the concerts, Nongkynrih was also teaching music in Oxfordshire. 

In 2001, Nongkynrih came back to India and started teaching piano in Shillong. Subsequently, he founded the Shillong Chamber Choir. 

It is said that Nongkynrih rose to fame after his choir won the Indian television reality show India’s Got Talent in 2010. Since then, Nongkynrih and his team never looked back. 

Also read: Few CPI-M MLAs are in touch with BJP: Tripura minister

Nongkynrih was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India, in 2015. 

Apart from the Padma Shri, Nongkynrih also received the U Tirot Sing Award in 2011, the Forbes Person of the Year for 2010-11 and he also served as a member of the World Choir Council.  

He was a member of the Central Board of Film Certification from 2017 till the time of his death.