Contents
Bhimsen Joshi
Becoming a leading voice of Hindustani classical music and the Kirana tradition.
Khayal · Bhajans and abhangs
- Born
- 4 February 1922
- Birthplace
- Karnataka, India
- Died
- 24 January 2011
More people
Bhimsen Joshi
Bhimsen Joshi was an Indian vocalist celebrated for khayal singing and devotional songs. His powerful performances reached listeners well beyond classical concert audiences.
Early life
Musical curiosity
Was drawn to instruments and travelling music as a child.
Finding a teacher
Left home in search of training and became a pupil of Sawai Gandharva.
Career
- 1930s
Training
Studied in the Kirana tradition under Sawai Gandharva.
- 1940s
Professional singing
Began concerts and recording.
- 1953
Festival
Helped establish the Sawai Gandharva festival in his teacher’s memory.
- 2008
Bharat Ratna
Received India’s highest civilian honour.
Selected work
Khayal
Extended improvisation within Hindustani ragas.
Bhajans and abhangs
Brought devotional songs to a broad public.
Mile Sur Mera Tumhara
Contributed to the widely recognised national-integration song.
Beyond work
Cars
Had a strong interest in motoring and mechanics.
Family
His son Shrinivas also became a classical vocalist.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Biography and contributions ↗Photo: British Institute of Recorded Sound. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
