Journalism of Courage
He had a unique style that touched hearts and inspired fans and singers for decades. The Marathi music fraternity in the city mourned the loss of veteran music composer and director,Shrinivas Khale on Friday. Fondly known as Khale Kaka,he passed away at the age of 85 in Thane. An era has come to an end, said music composer Anand Modak.
Khale was 25 years senior to Modak. I had the good fortune of interacting with him on several occasions. He was a brilliant composer and a great a man, he said. Shridhar Madgulkar,son of veteran poet-lyricist-actor and playwright GD Madgulkar,said the rich legacy of Khale Kaka will continue to inspire artistes and listeners across generations.
His work was for everyone. Everyone could relate to it and still can, Madgulkar said,adding,Khale Kaka worked with my father extensively. In fact,his song Ya Chimanyanni Parat Phira Re,the lyrics of which were written by my father,was a big hit and popular among people of all ages.
In 1992,when music director Harshit Abhiraj stepped into the music world,he worked as a chorus singer for Khales programmes. Khale Kaka is what all aspiring musicians,lyricists,and composers wanted to be. He wrote and composed so many songs,be it bhajans,film songs,songs for children or folk songs. His albums like Bhajan Manjusha,Tuka Jhalase Kalas… have all left lasting impressions. I feel it was his work that eventually helped me become a music director, he said.
Khale Kaka stood out among his contemporaries,said Modak. He realised the potential of each artiste and brought out the best in him/her. He worked with artistes of all levels,from Lata Mangeshkar to newcomers. And his repertoire had no bounds, he said.
He believed poetry was before everything else. He would often say,First its poetry,then me. Nothing and no one is bigger than the song.
Modak also recalled a few songs by Khale and said,His songs are evergreen. I grew up listening to some and I still hum them. His work is ageless.
