Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Passes Away

Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi, the legendary vocalist in the Hindustani classical tradition, was born into a Kannada family in Gadag, Karnataka, on February 4, 1922. He was trained under Pt. Rambhau Kundgollar (Sawai Gandharva) of Kirana Gharana in the traditional Guru-Shishya tradition.
Praised by both critics and masses, his music had many shades –contemplative and mellow, intuitive and erratic.
He was the recipient of many awards and recognitions, including Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibushan , Padma Bhushan, Padma Shree, and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
Pt. Joshi was a very down to earth person and lead a very quiet and simple life.
Apart from music, he had a fetish for driving cars.
Pt Joshi married twice. His first wife was Sunanda Katti. They had four children. Later, he married Vastala Mudholkar, with whom he had three children.
This legendary singer of Kirana Gharana died at the age of 88 on January 24, 2011, in Pune after prolonged illness. He was suffering from multiple organ failure.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2011