Page 8 - NIS English 01-15 March,2023

Personality

Famous Indian classical music singer
GANGUBAI SET

AN EXAMPLE

AMIDST ODDS

Gangubai, the identity of the Kirana Gharana's
"Khayal" genre of Hindustani classical music, rose
to great heights in the world of Indian classical
music with her rich, mellifluous renditions. Whether
it is Raag Bhairavi or Bhimpalasi, Raag Bhopali or
Chandrakouns, with her enchanting voice, Gangubai
made a distinct identity for herself in the Indian
music world amidst odds. Gangubai was born into
a Kevat family with Devadasi roots, where breaking
away was as difficult as hitting a mountain. But
BORN: MARCH 5, 1913 Gangubai never gave up and established herself
DIED: JULY 21, 2009 among the stalwarts of Hindustani classical music.

angubai Hangal, a well-known Indian singer of connect the minds of those who understood music. Prior
GHindustani classical music's "Khyal" genre, was to independence, until 1945, she gave presentations
born on March 5, 1913, in Shukraradapete, Dharwad in various cities across the country based on Khayal,
district, Karnataka. Gangubai loved music so much that Bhajan, and Thumris. Thereafter, she stopped singing in
as a child she would run down the street to listen to the the sub-classical style and continued to sing ragas in
gramophone and try to imitate the sound. Gangubai's the classical style. Her singing was regularly heard on
mother, Ambabai, a musician, set aside her passion for All India Radio. She used to be called in the festivals of
Carnatic music after witnessing her daughter's musical India. Gangubai, a resident of Hangal village, overcame
talent. Ambabai, who came from a musical family, made the challenges of an economic downturn and caste
certain that Gangubai learned the best Hindustani ridicule from neighbours, to capture the pulse of Indian
classical music from H. Krishnacharya, Dattopant Desai, classical music, enrich the legacy of the Kirana Gharana,
and Kirana Ustad Sawai Gandharva. Gangubai Hangal's and raise the quality of Indian classical music.
tenacity and determination to succeed in music can be Gangubai Hangal married Gururao Kaulgi in
gauged by the fact that he used to travel 30 kilometres 1929 when she was sixteen years old. She had two
first by train and then on foot to reach Guru's house. sons and a daughter. Four years later, her husband
Mother Ambabai sent Gangu to Guru Sawai Gandharv, died. Gangubai Hangal had to sell her jewellery and
and her illustrious journey began with small celebrations household items to help support the children.
in Mumbai and she went on in her career being awarded Gangubai's melody gradually unfolds, just as each
the Sangeet Nritya Akademi Award (1962), Padma lotus petal opens on each ray of morning light. This
Bhushan (1971), Sangeet Natak Akademi (1973), deafening voice died on July 21, 2009, at the age of
Tansen Samman (1984), Padma Vibhushan (2002) 96. Gangubai Hangal's autobiography was published
By pulling every note and tone with the hand on under the pen name "Nanna Badukina Hadu" (Music
the ear, her baritone timbre used to pierce the sky and of My Life).

6 New India Samachar March 1-15, 2023