Pandit Bhimsen Joshi's condition is stable in ICU

Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi was admitted to the ICU at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital in Pune on Wednesday after he complained of suffocation and vomiting. The hospital sources claim that the Hindustani music exponent has been put on a ventilator and there has been no further deterioration in his health. He is in critical condition and he needs periodic dialysis.

According to sources, the Bharath Ratna award winner was suffering from multiple organ failure i.e. urinary infection, respiratory, intestines and kidney problems. Recently, he had undergone a brain tumour surgery (Maningioma) at the same hospital. The doctors were attending him for a daily health check-up and were doing dialysis to prevent any further complications.

Now, the hospital sources say that the doctors are taking all precautions measures to bring Bhimsen Joshi back to normal condition at the ICU. Bhimsen Joshi family is hopeful that the musical maestro will respond to the doctors' medicine and treatment. Meanwhile, his fans and well wishers are said to be offering prayers for his speedy health recovery.

However, Indian vocalist Bhimasen Joshi was born in Kannada Bramhin family in Gadag on 4th February, 1922 and he will turn 88 this February. He learned Hindustani music from Pandit Rambhau Kundgolkar, who is a native of Dharwad and is popularly known as Sawai Gandharva. Renowned Kirana Gharana vocalist Gangubai Hangal, who passed away on 21 July 2009, was his co-student.

Bhimanna is popularly known for Raags like Shuddha Kalyan, Miyan Ki Todi, Puriya Dhanashri, Multani, Bhimpalas, Darbari and Ramkali. He has sung all sorts of songs like devotional, patriotic and film songs. He is revered for his work in the 'Mile Sur Mera Tumhara' music video (1985). He has been honoured with highest civilian awards like Padma Shree, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Maharashtra Bhushan, Karnataka Ratna and Bharat Ratna.

We, at Oneindia, pray god for his speedy recovery.