Mumbai:
A shocked Indian music fraternity today mourned the death of legendary vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi hailing him as a modern day Tansen and a 'Kohinoor' of Hindustani classical music who strode like a colossus.
As condolences poured from celebrity musicians and singers on the passing away of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi early this morning, noted Hindustani classical singer Pandit Jasraj said "this is sunset at sunrise." Many of them said an era in Indian classical music has come to an end leaving many orphaned.
"He did not belong to any particular gharana, but to the entire Hindustani music world. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi had held music lovers spellbound over the last several decades," Jasraj said.
Santoor maestro Pandit Satish Vyas described Pandit Bhimsen Joshi as the "Kohinoor" of Indian classical music.
"Classical music was meant for a particular class. But Panditji crossed such barriers and brought the music closer to the common man. The intelligentsia and also the layman applauded his music and this was one of his greatest contributions," he said.
Bhajan and Ghazal singer Anup Jalota called Pandit Bhimsen Joshi a modern day Tansen in Indian music comparing him to the legendary musician in Mughal Emperor Akbar's court in the 16th century. "The Indian music scene has been orphaned," he said.
Carnatic vocalist M Balamuralikrishna with whom Pandit Bhimsen Joshi had sung several 'jugalbandis' said his death was an "absolutely irreparable loss." "It is a great loss for Indian music not just for Hindustani music."
"He was a person who sang Indian music, not just Hindustani music," Balamuralikrishna said. Unable to bear the loss, Balamuralikrishna with voice choked in emotion said "He is already there, singing to the gods".
Singers Suresh Wadkar and Arti Ankliker-Tikekar said the void will be difficult to fill.
Begum Parveen Sultana said, "He was like an elder brother to me. He was the person who introduced us to Maharashtra".
Vocalist Shounak Abhisheki said Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was the "Bhishmpitamah" of Hindustani classical music.
"He has an immortal place in this field and he achieved this position due to his devotion, dedication and commitment to music," he said.
Abhisheki said Pandjitji was both a great human being and a musician. "His life is an inspiration to new generation of musicians like me and following the path laid down by him would be the greatest tribute."
Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal described Pandit Bhimsen Joshi as the "finest Indian classical artist of his generation".
As condolences poured from celebrity musicians and singers on the passing away of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi early this morning, noted Hindustani classical singer Pandit Jasraj said "this is sunset at sunrise." Many of them said an era in Indian classical music has come to an end leaving many orphaned.
"He did not belong to any particular gharana, but to the entire Hindustani music world. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi had held music lovers spellbound over the last several decades," Jasraj said.
Santoor maestro Pandit Satish Vyas described Pandit Bhimsen Joshi as the "Kohinoor" of Indian classical music.
"Classical music was meant for a particular class. But Panditji crossed such barriers and brought the music closer to the common man. The intelligentsia and also the layman applauded his music and this was one of his greatest contributions," he said.
Bhajan and Ghazal singer Anup Jalota called Pandit Bhimsen Joshi a modern day Tansen in Indian music comparing him to the legendary musician in Mughal Emperor Akbar's court in the 16th century. "The Indian music scene has been orphaned," he said.
Carnatic vocalist M Balamuralikrishna with whom Pandit Bhimsen Joshi had sung several 'jugalbandis' said his death was an "absolutely irreparable loss." "It is a great loss for Indian music not just for Hindustani music."
"He was a person who sang Indian music, not just Hindustani music," Balamuralikrishna said. Unable to bear the loss, Balamuralikrishna with voice choked in emotion said "He is already there, singing to the gods".
Singers Suresh Wadkar and Arti Ankliker-Tikekar said the void will be difficult to fill.
Begum Parveen Sultana said, "He was like an elder brother to me. He was the person who introduced us to Maharashtra".
Vocalist Shounak Abhisheki said Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was the "Bhishmpitamah" of Hindustani classical music.
"He has an immortal place in this field and he achieved this position due to his devotion, dedication and commitment to music," he said.
Abhisheki said Pandjitji was both a great human being and a musician. "His life is an inspiration to new generation of musicians like me and following the path laid down by him would be the greatest tribute."
Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal described Pandit Bhimsen Joshi as the "finest Indian classical artist of his generation".
