A brilliant exponent in the field of Hindustani classical music, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi is a legend who had not just earned the respect and admiration of his fans but that of his critics as well. Famous for perfecting the Khayal, a form of Hindustani classical, Bhimsen Joshi was also known for his presentation of devotional music. His ‘bhajans’, which were usually sung in Kannada, Hindi and Marathi languages, are widely recognized and appreciated not just by ardent music lovers but also by devotees all over the country. This versatile singer has also recorded Kannada Dasa Krithis in Dasavani, the likes which are usually sung by Carnatic musicians. His most memorable performance that is recalled by his fans even today is the song ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’. His golden voice which appealed the Indians to be united and stand as one nation is an evergreen number that is hummed even today by one and all.
Childhood
Bhimsen Joshi was born into a Madhwa Brahmin family and was the eldest among his 16 siblings. When he was just a kid, he lost his mother and since then was raised by his father and stepmother. At a young age, Bhimsen was smitten with musical instruments such as Tanpura (a string instrument) and the pump organ. Very early in his life, Bhimsen was fascinated with music.
Career in Films
Bhimsen Joshi served as a playback singer in many movies including ‘Basant Bahar’ and ‘Birbal My Brother’. In 1964, he recorded the song ‘Ramya Hi Swargahun Lanka’ along with Manna Dey for the Marathi movie ‘Swayamvarzale Siteche’. He even worked with singers like M. Balamuralikrishna and Pandit Jasraj while recording for Kannada movies. ‘Bhagyadalakshmi Baaramma’, a song originally composed by Purandara Dasa and sung by Bhimsen Joshi, was used in the Kannada film ‘Nodi Swami NaavuIrodhu Heege’.
Awards
Bhimsen Joshi was honoured with several awards over the course of his illustrious career. Some of them are listed below:
- Padma Shree – Bhimsen Joshi became a proud recipient of Padma Shree in the year 1972.
- Padma Bhushan – In 1985, he was honored with this prestigious award.
- Padma Vibhushan – India’s second highest civilian award was conferred on him in the year 1999.
- Bharat Ratna – In 2008, he was conferred with India’s highest civilian award.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – In the year 1976, India’s National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama honored him with this prestigious award.
Death
On December 31, 2010, Bhimsen Joshi was admitted to Sahyadri Super Specialty Hospital with issues like gastrointestinal bleeding and bilateral pneumonia. A month later, on January 24, 2011, he breathed his last and was laid to rest at Vaikunth Crematorium in Pune.
Alekhya blog 