The Swaranjali Begins

The 59th edition of Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav had a splendid start. At 10 am,one walked into a packed hall at the Sawai Gandharva Smarak in Shivajinagar. The corridor outside was lined with caricatures of late Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. Inside,the documentary,The Life Story of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was being showcased,as part of the film festival ‘Shadja’. The audience sat in rapt attention as Panditji’s story was retold. Directed by Prasad Mirajadar and produced by Ravindra Mankani,the film consisted of interviews with the maestro entwined with the story of his life.

One saw a young Bhimsen listening to a record by Abdul Karim Khan’s thumri ,Piya Bin Nahi Aavat Chain and resolving to learn to sing that way. The documentary also outlined his journey to find a guru. Eleven-year-old Bhimsen left his home in Dharwad for Gwalior; he traveled for three years and visited Delhi,Kolkata,Rampur and Jalandar. Once he heard of Sawai Gandharva and his legacy,he returned to learn music from him,following the guru-shishya tradition. His training continued till the year 1940. The film traced the musical career of Panditji along with nuances of his character. It also introduced one to the rapport that his disciple-son Shrinivas Joshi shared with him. There were several short conversations between the two that were a part of the film.

Several old pictures and shots from the family album emerged. During one of the interviews,Panditji talked about his love for driving and said,“Tamburecha jasa swar asto,tasach engincha sudha swar asto (Like a tanpura,a car’s engine also has musical sound).” The soundtrack for the film had abhangas and ragas sung by Panditji that only added to the experience of the crowd gathered in the hall.