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He
a down-to-earth man, according to him a stern teacher and rigorous Riyaaz
and a bit of luck can contribute in making a good singer. Panditji has
been performing in public since he was 19. Panditji's first public
performance was in Pune in January 1946 on the occasion of the 60 th
birthday of his guru Sawai
Gandharva. In the
year 1944 Panditji recorded two
Hindi and two Kannada Bhajans for H. M. V., this was his first recording.
In search of a
guru who could get him to
the particulars of Khayal-Gayaki, Panditji went on to distant places varying
from Bijapur,
Pune to Gwalior. Finally Panditji admitted himself in Madhav Sangit
Vidyalay in Gwalior.
For about 4
years Panditji stayed with Sawai Gandharva at Kundgol . Bhimsen's
natural tuneful voice received further polish from his teacher. Sawai Gandharva
taught him the essentials of khayal-gayaki. Rigorous practice was followed
by hours of household tasks, while fetching water from a faraway well,
Panditji perfected the configuration of Raag Todi. Panditji
learnt the basics of Raag
Maarwa and Raag Puriyaa from Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan.
Rivals admit, there is no other vocalist today in the entire nation who
can be compared with Panditji. Panditji's voice,
inimitable style, the immense power, unbelievably flexible voice
and majesty of his performances put him far ahead of his rivals.
Panditji has been honored by Sangeet Natak Acadami Award(1975), the Mysore Sangeet Natak Academy Award,
Padma Bhushan(1975) and the Padmashree(1972) award by the Government of India. |
