Kumar Gandharva
Born - 1924
Died – 1992
Died – 1992
Achievements - A renowned Indian Hindustani classical singer, the most unique feature about the singing style of Kumar Gandharva was that he refused to be circumscribed by the specific tradition and rules of a Gharana. He was a child prodigy and a genius at creating innovative compositions.
Kumar Gandharva was a renowned Indian Hindustani classical singer. He was born on 8 April 1924 and was originally named Shivaputra Siddramayya Komkali. The unique feature about the singing style of Kumar Gandharva was that he refused to be circumscribed by the specific tradition and rules of a Gharana. He was an innovative genius and started to be called "Kumar Gandharva" because he was a child prodigy. Myth logically, Gandharva is the god of music in the Hindu tradition.
He was born to a Kannadiga couple at Sulebhavi near Dharwad in the Indian state of Karnataka. Gandharva received his training in Indian classical music under Prof B R Deodhar during the 1930s and it did not take him long to establish his reputation as a prodigy. Kumar Gandharva got married during the 1940s and thereafter, shifted to Madhya Pradesh state. In his 20s then, Kumar Gandharva was struck by tuberculosis.
The first musical performance of
Kumar Gandharva after his recovery from tuberculosis happened in the year 1953.
It is said that ill health had majorly affected Kumar's voice in the coming
years, who was famous for his power packed short phrases and a very high pitch.
Though he may not have ascended the same level of fame as some of his
contemporaries like Bhimsen Joshi, yet he enjoyed ample support and affection
of own ardent fans.
Nice to know about Kumar Gandharva. There were people who spread false rumours about him, as his innovations broke his voice. Definitely if it was not tuberculosis he would be much more famous than now
ReplyDelete