|
The Thumri queen known for her rich earthy
voice, Shobha Gurtu, passed away at her residence, following
a cardiac arrest, her family said.
Born in 1925 in Belgaum to a Goan mother, Shobha began her
initial training under her mother Menekabai Shirodkar, a professional
dancer and a student of Atrauli Jaipur Gayaki of Ustad Alladiya
Khan.
Impressed by Shobha’s strong will to learn and voice,
Ustad Ghamman Khan took her under his wings and guided her
in light classical music. She also learnt classical music
from Ustad Nathan Khan.
Though trained in classical Khayal, she was interested in
light classical music forms like Thumri and Dadra.
Influenced by singer Begum Akhtar and Ustad Bade Gulam Ali
Khan, Shobha, carved a niche for herself in the world of Thumri,
her rich earthy voice lending itself beautifully to the form
of light classical music.
Shobha preferred Lord Krishna Shingara and Kabir’s
philosophical rendering. On any stage she was always Radha.
Along with Pandit Birju Maharaj, their interpretation of the
mood was unique, her son, Mr Narendra said.
Her rending of Kabir’s daughter Kamali’s composition
took music lovers a few centuries back in the company of Sufi
saints, he added.
Her rendering of Dadra, Chaiti, Savani, Hori or Mahia mesmerised
music lovers all over the country.
The numerous accolades showered upon her include the recent
Padma Bhushan, the Sangeet Natak Academy award in 1989, the
Hafiz Ali Khan Puraskar, the Lata Mangeshkar Puraskar, Shahu
Maharaj Puraskar and Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar.
She also lent her voice to several Hindi films including
Phagun, Pakeeza, Mai Tulsi Teri Aagan Ki, Prahar and Marathi
films like Saamna and Lal Mati.
She is survived by two sons, Mr Narendra and percussionist,
Trilik Gurtu. Her mortal remains were put to rest at a crematorium
in central Mumbai.
 |
 |
|
- 
