While there are several reasons to celebrate 2011, the death of several prominent Indian celebrities, scholars and artists made it as tragic as it was a joyful year.

The year began with the death of critically and universally acclaimed artist M.F. Hussain, on June 9, of a heart attack. The months to come were worse, claiming the lives of Bollywood legend Shammi Kapoor, former Indian cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and singers Bhupen Hazarika and Jagjit Singh, among several others.

The deaths of these wonderful men and women were mourned by the entire nation.

Remember these artists by starting the slideshow: