Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was born on the 14th of February 1922 to conservative Brahmin family in Gadang, Karnataka. Early in his life he developed an interest for classical music after listening to a recording of noted classical musician, Abdul Karim Khan. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi father was the village schoolmaster and wanted his son to pursue his education and become a doctor or engineer. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi however keen on pursuing music and showed little interest in academics. One day he ran away from home to be able to further pursue his interest. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi went to the city of Gwalior which was one of the prominent centers of classical music. He worked with several musicians in that area and learnt as much as he could from them. His father learnt of this and abandoned his opposition. He brought Pandit Bhimsen Joshi back home and arranged for him to learn music from Sawai Gandharva. Under this guru his technique was perfected his voice reached dazzling levels of brilliance. His ability to sing in all three octaves effortlessly has been achieved through rigorous practice. His music is an epic struggle with Pandit Bhimsen Joshi in the center as a one man chorus.
The sheer power of his voice is fantastic engulfing a listener from all sides. His talent was soon recognized and his fame spread to all parts of India and the world. He performed at one location after with the other with remarkable rapidity, giving him the title of "The flying musician of India"! A highly distinguished and popular artist,he has won numerous awards which include, the Padma Shree, the Padma Bhusan (one of India's highest civilian awards) and the Sangeet Natak Akademi (academy) Award.
Edited by Qwest - 19 years ago