Pandit Bhimsen Joshi died after prolonged illness

Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi died at 8:00 am today at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital in Pune. He was admitted to the ICU last week after he complained of suffocation and vomiting. The Hindustani music exponent was put on a ventilator. His health was deteriorating and the doctors were doing periodic dialysis.

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.

However, Indian vocalist Bhimasen Joshi was born in Kannada Bramhin family in Gadag on 4th 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.

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi's sad demise has shocked the music lovers. With his death, a vacuum has been created in the Hindustani music, which cannot be filled. We, at oneindia, express our hearty condolence to his family. May Pandit Bhimsen Joshi's departed soul rest in peace.