Ghazal singer Vithal Rao, last court singer of Nizams, found dead in Hyderabad

Even at the hospital no one recognised the legendary singer because of his appearance. Although Rao intermittently regained consciousness, he did not speak. On Thursday night, he told a hospital attendant that his name was Vithal Rao and sometime later he breathed his last. On Friday (June 26) morning, senior sub inspector Shyam Babu went to the mortuary and verified that he was indeed Vithal Rao and informed his son Santosh Rao.

Vithal Rao Aatmaram Shivpurkar, respectfully called Guruji by his disciples, was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

One of Pt Rao’s disciples and singer Indira Naik, said: “It is really sad to see that a great soul and singer like him go through these circumstances. We will always remember the things which he taught us through his own work and service to music.”

Noted playback singer Hariharan said: “He was a great artist and above all a beautiful human being. I pray for him and God bless his soul. The thing that I would certainly remember about him is his impeccable knowledge and huge collection of Ghazals. He will always be remembered for his simplicity and humility.”

Born in a family of singers in Hyderabad in 1930, Vithal Rao had started performing at the age of seven on All India Radio and had performed in the court of Nizam ruler Mir Osman Ali Khan in 1943. He had performed in over 10 countries in several international concerts.

The last rites will be performed on Saturday (June 27).