churumuri.com records with deep regret the demise of Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi in Poona this morning. The Gadag-born Bharat Ratna was 90 years old and had been ailing for some time.
Also read: Balamuralikrishna, Bhimsen Joshi & ‘amritam‘
When Bhimsen Joshi said, ‘akka, haadi torsala‘?
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has condoled the sad demise of Pt. Bhimsen Joshi. In his message, Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the nation and the music world has lost a towering musical genius and the most famous and accomplished exponent of the Kirana gharana.
Following is the text of Prime Minister’s Message:
“I was deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. I join music lovers across the world in mourning the demise of this iconic vocalist. In his passing away, the nation and the music world has lost a towering musical genius and the most famous and accomplished exponent of the Kirana gharana.
For many decades, Pandit Joshi led the renaissance of Hindustani classical music with his unique style and mastery over ragas. He showed that music knows no linguistic or cultural barriers. He enriched the Kirana gharana through his distinctive individual style and adaptation of characteristics from other gharanas to create a unique vocal idiom. Generations of listeners were enthralled by his mellifluous voice, mastery of rhythm and magnificent renderings of bhajans and khayals. His rendering of the song “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” on the theme of national integration is etched in the popular consciousness. To honour his exceptional musical talents and his success in reviving a sacred classical tradition among the people, the country bestowed its highest national honour, the Bharat Ratna on him in 2008.
I convey my heartfelt condolences to you and all the members of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi’s family, his disciples and admirers around the world”.
Only Tears.
He was one of those very few rays of light in the darkness to paraphrase Churumuri’s heading for Namma Metro.
RIP dear Pt. Joshi. You gave me immense joy and made life a little worthwhile.
kailasvasi bhimsen joshi will live on through his music, which happens to be played regularly in my home!
A great loss to Hindusthani music. Joshi sir still continues to enthrall the listeners like me. May his soul rest in peace.
What a coincidence – He died on the day of Tyagaraja Aradhana! A great soul went to the eternal abode of Nada!
Bhimanna was at his best while giving a concert in the backdrop of the magnificent, illuminatd Mysore Palace during the Dasara Music festival.He commenced with purva kalyani, a great classical piece, but among the large gathering there, the mood was different, to listen to what may be called as ‘ semi classical” like bhajans.Bhimanna could feel what they wanted.Lo;he sang “Bhyagada Lakshmi Bharamma “literally gesticulating the Goddess to come.SHE did come, that was the sublime feeling among the gathering.
We are all fortunate that we could live in this era listening to this colossus.
The last time I saw him was in 1999 in Ganapathi Sachichidananda Ashrama, a jugalbhandi seen with an another giant Dr Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna
पं० भीमसेन को मेरी भावभीनी श्रद्धांजली
The art and the voice of Pandit Bhemsen joshi may live forever. No death for a legend.
Bhimanna left us six years ago. Let’s give a big thank you to Youtube and various other outfits for making it possible to access all of his music 24/7. Such was not the case when he died.