Gangubai Hangal, a famous Hindustani Singer from Karnataka
who sang under the Khyal genre, was known for her mellifluous but deep voice.
Her Early Life and
Learning
gangubai-hangalGangubai Hangal was born on 5th March 1913 to
Ambabai (a Carnatic vocalist) and Chikkurao Nadiger (an agriculturist) in
Dharwad. Gangubai completed her elementary education from a local school and
migrated to Hubli with her family in 1928.
She chose to learn Hindustani music under the tutelage of
Krishna Acharya. As a student of Hindustani music, she was also trained by
Dattopant Desai and the divine Sawai Gandharva. Initially she was not trained
by Guru Gandharva regularly but she became his permanent disciple when
Gandharva came to reside at Hubli permanently.
Her Singing Career
and Rise to Fame
Hangal’s family was ostracized by the society because she
was of an inferior caste and women from her caste were not allowed to sing.
Hangal learnt how to sing against all odds and by 1945, she had already
performed all over India and through AIR (All India Radio) too.
Hangal began her career as a thumri and bhajan singer but
proceeded to excel in Khyal. After concentrating in Khyal, Hangal never sang
light classical music, and instead, she only performed ragas. She gave her last
performance in 2006, to celebrate her music career spanning 75 years.
Awards, Achievements
and Recognitions
Gangubai Hangal holds rare distinction of accepting awards
from five Presidents of India and nine Prime Ministers. She also served as the
senate member of the Karnataka University. The singer was bestowed with more
than 50 awards throughout her career spanning 75 years. Some of the prominent
recognitions were:
Padma Bhushan , 1971
Padma Vibhushan, 2002
Karnataka Sangeet Nrithya Award , 1962
Sangeet Natak Academy Award , 1973
Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship, 1996
Her Later Years and Demise
She bravely fought against bone marrow cancer in 2003, but
gave way to cardiac arrest at the age of 96, at Hubli. She donated her eyes as
a part of awareness increasing program for organ donation. Gangubai set an
example for others by agreeing to donate her eyes to Dr. M.M Joshi Eye
Institute and post her death; this wish of hers was fulfilled.
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