Pandit Bhimsen Joshi: The End of an Era

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, who took the treasure of Hindustani classical music to new heights of prosperity with his energetic voice, passed away in Pune after a long illness.

His family informed that Joshi ji was admitted to the hospital on December 31. His kidneys and respiratory system stopped working due to old age problems, after which he was placed on life support system.

Pandit Joshi, who belongs to Khansahib Abdul Karim Khan's 'Kairana Gharane', has three sons and a daughter in his family.
As soon as the news of his demise spread, there is an atmosphere of despair in the country and people have started gathering outside the house of Pandit Joshi, a veteran of 'Khyal Gaiki', for his last visit.

Born on February 4, 1922 in Gadag, Dharwad district of Karnataka, Pandit Joshi first got the most recognition from a concert in Pune in January, 1946. It was a function held on the occasion of the 60th birthday of his Guru Swami Gandharva.
His energetic voice, wonderful breath control and deep understanding of music set him apart from other singers. Joshi left home in search of a guru and walked to Gadag railway station. Joshi, wearing a torn shirt and half pants, boarded the train without taking a ticket and reached Bijapur. There he started singing hymns for livelihood.

A music lover advised him to go to Gwalior. He also wanted to go but something went wrong with the train and Joshi reached Pune, a city rich in Maharashtra culture.
In Pune, he requested eminent classical singer Krishnarao Phulambarikar to teach music. But Fulambrikar demanded a monthly fee from him which was not possible for the boy whose parents had lodged a complaint with the Gadag police station after his disappearance.

Joshi was disappointed but his morale did not break. He moved from Pune to Mumbai. The search for a guru took him to Gwalior, the center of Hindustani music, which was his real destination.
With the help of Sarod Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan living under the patronage of Maharaj of Gwalior, Yuva Joshi entered Madhav Sangeet Vidyalaya. This school was a leading music institute in those days.

While learning the technical aspects of singing, Joshi assimilated the nuances of 'Khyal'. Khyal singing is considered to be the gift of Gwalior family.