Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi was born on February 4, 1922 and is one of the pillar of Hindustani classical vocalists. I can say without reserve that if you have any love for Indian classical music, there is no chance you miss listening to this great doyen who spellbinds the listener with exquisite simplicity and ethereal power in his voice.
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi hails from the Kirana Gharana and has mastery over Bhajan singing as well. He was born in Karnataka in Gadag. It is so astonishing at that time to take Hindustani style of Indian classical music when Pandit Bhimsen Joshi actually hailed from South India where Carnatic style was popular.
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi left his house in search of a Guru who could teach him music but later found that he could learn it from Swami Gandharva, who lived in Dharwad. It is indeed a great pleasure to hear when Pandit Bhimsen Joshi sings and how he takes you into a journey of musical tracks.
In 2008, the finest thing that I wanted happened with Pandit Bhimsen Joshi–it was due actually. He was awarded the highest civilian honour of the country–Bharat Ratna was bestowed on him. I was happy because in my knowledge he is the only male singer who has received this award. Two male musicians, Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan, have received it. It is also peculiar to note that two female singers, Lata Mangeshkar and M. S. Subbalakshmi, have received this award.
