Bhimsen Joshi
Who was Bhimsen Joshi?
What is the Kirana gharana known for?
What was Bhimsen Joshi’s contribution to film and devotional music?
What notable awards did Bhimsen Joshi receive?
What is the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival?
Bhimsen Joshi (born February 4, 1922, Ron, India—died January 24, 2011, Pune) was a Hindustani classical vocalist of the Kirana gharana (musical style), renowned for his powerful voice, breath control, and emotive performances. He was honored with the title “Pandit,” a term traditionally given to masters of Indian classical arts. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he became a defining figure in Indian classical music, particularly excelling in khayal (a musical form featuring melodic and rhythmic improvisation). Beyond classical music concerts, Joshi’s contributions extended to playback singing, bhajan (a type of devotional music), and cross-genre collaborations. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 2009.
Early life and musical inclinations
Bhimsen Joshi was born the eldest of 16 children, into a family from the Madhva Brahmin community. From an early age, he displayed an affinity for music, being drawn to the harmonium and the tanpura. He was influenced by court musician Abdul Karim Khan’s thumri (a light classical Hindustani style) “Piya Bin Nahi Aavat Chain,” which cemented his determination to pursue Hindustani classical music. At age 11, Joshi left home in search of a guru (“teacher”). His training formally began at the Madhava Music School in Gwalior, but his most influential mentor was Sawai Gandharva (born Ramachandra Kundgolkar Saunshi), a disciple of Khan. Under Gandharva’s guidance (1936–40), Joshi refined his vocal techniques and deepened his mastery of ragas (traditional melodic patterns in Indian classical music), setting the foundation for his career.
The Kirana gharana, named for the town of Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, is known for its emphasis on swara (a note in an octave) and the expressive development of each note within a raga. A distinctive feature of this gharana is the intricate use of sargam taan (melodic patterns using note syllables), a technique introduced by Abdul Karim Khan.
Musical journey
Early career and recognition
Joshi made his public debut in 1941 and released his first album, on the His Master’s Voice (HMV) label, in 1942. By 1943 he was working as a radio artist in Bombay (now Mumbai), gaining recognition for his voice and technical mastery. His performance at his guru Sawai Gandharva’s 60th birthday celebration in 1946 was a turning point, establishing him as a major figure in Hindustani classical music. To honor his guru’s legacy, Joshi founded the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival in 1953. Joshi’s music, rooted in tradition, was marked by a mastery of ragas and a rich, expressive vocal style. His mastery of such ragas as Shuddha Kalyan, Miyan ki Todi, Bhimpalasi, and Yaman, along with his creation of Kalashree, Lalit Bhatiyar, and Marwa Shree, showcased his musical intellect.
Film and devotional music
As a playback singer, Joshi recorded several songs for films and devotional albums. In Basant Bahar (1956, “Beautiful Spring”), he performed the jugalbandi (musical duet) “Ketaki Gulab Juhi” with playback singer Manna Dey. The 1975 film Birbal My Brother featured a jugalbandi with classical vocalist Jasraj. Joshi’s work in Ankahee (1985, “Unsaid”) included “Raghuvar Tumko Meri Laaj” and “Thumak Thumak,” which earned him the National Film Award for best male playback singer. His bhajans in the Hindi, Kannada, and Marathi languages helped give devotional music a wider audience. In 1998 he sang in the national integration music video “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” (“When Your Tune Connects with Mine”) and composed its music with music director and composer Ashok Patki. His collaboration with composer A.R. Rahman on a 2000 rendition of India’s national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” reflected his ability to adapt to different styles of music.
Global reach and legacy
Between 1964 and 1982 Joshi performed in many countries, including Afghanistan, Italy, France, Canada, and the United States, further expanding the reach of Hindustani classical music. He was known for his unique approach, in which he rarely performed a composition the same way twice. His jugalbandi with Indian vocalist and musician M. Balamuralikrishna showcased the confluence of Hindustani classical music and Carnatic music, blending two distinct classical styles while maintaining their individual integrity.
Key Awards and Honors
- Padma Shri (1972)
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1976)
- Padma Bhushan (1985)
- National Film Award (1985) for best male playback singer (for Ankahee)
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1998)
- Padma Vibhushan (1999)
- Maharashtra Bhushan (2002)
- Karnataka Ratna (2005)
- Bharat Ratna (2009)
Joshi continued performing until his later years, giving his final major concert in 2004 alongside M. Balamuralikrishna. In 2007 he sang for the last time, at the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival, and in December 2010, just weeks before falling ill, he made a brief appearance at the 58th edition of the festival, during which he received a standing ovation despite not performing. He died on January 24, 2011, in Pune, Maharashtra. Over the decades, the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival has grown into one of the most prestigious platforms for Hindustani classical music, fostering new talent and preserving the traditions of the Kirana gharana. In 2011 the festival was renamed the Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Festival in the vocalist’s honor.