Life is a question asked by God about the way He exists.
- Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi was a veteran in the classical music industry. Belonging to the Kirana gharana, he has many credits to his name for his contribution to Hindustani classical music, earning many laurels as a professional playback singer as well as devotional singer. His natyasangeet (music for Marathi plays) and bhajans are still celebrated in many Maharashtrian families.
Born in a middle-class Brahmin family of Karnataka, he was smitten by music and instruments at a very early age. In his quest and love for learning music, he left home at a tender age of 11 and took his search for the apt teacher across Bijapur, Delhi, Gwalior, and Jalandar; to become a disciple of music maestro Sawai Gandharva. In honour of his teacher, in 1953, he started the “Sawai Gandharva Festival”, which is still celebrated in Bal Gandharva Natyagruha in Pune.
Effortless singing combined with unparalleled expertise learnt under his guru; Joshi excelled across various genres of music. His contribution to the national song “Mile Sur Mera Humara” is still remembered with pride across the country. He is credited to the introduction of three new ragas: Lalit Bhatiyar, Kalashree and Marwa Shree; which proves his proficiency and musical intellect. His perfect alaaps and magical surs won him a lot of fame, even among music critics.
His illustrious career boasts of a host of awards, some of which are mentioned below:
· Bharat Ratna
· Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship
· Lifetime achievement award
· Padma Shree
· Padma Bhushan
· Padma Vibhushan
· Karnataka Ratna
· Maharashtra Bhushan
· Swathi Sangeetha Puraskaram
He passed away in Pune, the city that gave him maximum patronage, in 2011, in a private hospital after a brief illness. However, his music has made him unforgettable with his voice etched in hearts of millions of music patrons across the globe. No amount of words can justify the adulation he deserves for his contribution to music and culture. Truly, his renditions that have remained timeless in the form of his recorded music are a treasure trove for all Indians.
Birth Score – 4/5
Pride Score – 5/5
A super-impressive 9/10 Notable Brahmin Score.