Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, the 86 year old legend in Hindustani classical music would be honoured with Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian award, this year. This was informed through a press release from the office of the President of India, Pratibha Patil.

The journey of the renowned vocalist began seven decades back when he performed for the first time at the age of 19. Since then, the disciple of the kirana gharana of music has been honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awards among many others.

Speaking on the happy occasion, Pt. Joshi said, “I am happy to receive this award on behalf of all great musicians and masters who have represented the 'khayal' tradition of Hindustani classical music in this country.”

Credited with ushering in a renaissance of Indian classical music, Pandit Joshi, who left his home in Gadag district of Karnataka state at the age of 11 in search of a guru, is celebrated for 'khayal' form of singing and also for his 'bhajans.'

Gifted with a mesmerising voice, the vocalist through his amazing grip over various “gayaki” (styles) created a unique blend adding in the process his own improvisations.

Pandit Joshi found his teacher in Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan of Gwalior and later trained under Sawai Gandharva (Pandit Rambhan Kundgolkar) in 1936 where he learnt the basics of performing 'khayal.'

It is to be mentioned here that, the "Bharat Ratna" has not been awarded to anyone since 2001 when it was given jointly to playback singer Lata Mangeshkar and shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan.

Among other artistes, recipients of the highest civilian award are filmmaker Satyajit Ray, sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar and vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi.

Infibeam.com - India's Biggest Book Store Online
Buy Book at Best Discount Price Online:
The White Tiger
Wicket in Action
Marketing Management
The Mystic Temple
What Next?
Audacity Of Hope( Barack Obama)

Add a comment

Posted by Nilakshi Handique on 7 November, 2008 2:06:05 PM IST #