MUMBAI: Classical singers, musicians, artistes and politicians have been thronging Pt. Bhimsen Joshi’s Pune residence ever since the announcement of the Bharat Ratna award being conferred to him was made on Tuesday – clearly, the atmosphere in Panditji’s city is buzzing with joy.
Pt. Uday Bhawalkar, a renowned classical singer and panditji’s family friend said, “After I got to know about Panditji being chosen for the award, I was extremely happy, though I was not in Pune when the announcement was made, I will be meeting Panditji’s as soon as I reach”. His fans include many great artistes from the classical music scene and Pt. Uday Bhawalkar is one among them.
Speaking over the phone from Bhopal, Bhawalkar added, “One can understand when Panditji says ‘I accept this honour on behalf of all those who have devoted their lives to the Indian vocal music’, that’s how humble Panditji is”.
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Bhawalkar has watched the legendary exponent of Hindustani music on many occasions; however, he modestly adds, “My talking about panditji’s performance would be like showing a lamp to the sun. However, one thing we all can learn from him is ‘simplicity’. Panditji behaves in the same manner with everybody – be it the Rashtrapati or the house help. In short, Panditji is a different personality, and he has clearly gone beyond awards.”
Renowned percussionist Taufiq Qureshi got to know about the award after he received an SMS confirming the news “I was overwhelmed after I came to know about it!” he says. Just like many other classical musicians and artistes, Qureshi, on many occasions, has watched Panditji perform, “The experince is magical, the way he gets involved in the music is amazing, he transports the listeners to a different place – I feel that’s because he himself sings on a different plane. For me, it feels as if God himself is singing.”
Raghunandan Panshikar, a renowned classical singer from Pune who has learned under greats like Kishori Amonkar said, “Bhimsen Joshi being a marvelous performer, there are many things that a budding artiste can learn – about music and about taking care of one’s health. He still manages to sing effortlessly even at this age. And after this (Bharat Ratna award), he has become an idol for all those who dream of achieving great honours through the field of classical music”.
All over the web, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi fans are discussing and congratulating each other. However, many believe that ‘Anna’ got his dues very late. “Panditji should have got the award three or four years ago, nevertheless, he has got this honour and that is what we all should be happy about. I am happy that the right person has been chosen for this award,” added Bhawalkar.
The young generations of classical musicians are also ecstatic about the recent announcement. However, can young classical musicians look forward to some encouragement and hope? Jay Thakkar, a young flautist who has learned under Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia said, “The classical music genre was the only genre of music existing when awards like Bharat Ratna, Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan started, but now things are changing drastically. As far as classical music goes, I don’t really think it will make much difference. Nevertheless, Panditji has got his due and I am glad.”
Though the award bestowed upon him has given all the Indians and connoisseurs of classical music a chance to be proud of, in truth it is Panditji’s virtues like simplicity and hard work that have fetched him the highest civilian honour. Looking at Panditji’s life till date, one cannot say he’s an inspiring figure just for musicians or singers!
