Gangubai Hangal, The Classical Singer Passed Away
- Gangubai Hangal, Passed Away.
Legendary Hindustani classical vocalist Gangubai Hangal, who captivated audiences with her melodious voice for over six decades, died at a hospital here today after a brief illness. She died at 7.10 a.m. today morning.
She had died at an age of 97 due to cardiogenic pulmonary oedema
She was admitted in hospital on June 3 but through her ‘never die spirit’ has returned home on July 12 but was readmitted to the Kalamdhani Hospital and from there shifted to 24×7 Lifeline Hospital on July 16 for better treatment as she developed breathing problems.
Earlier her physician Dr Kalamadani told, ” she has some heart problem, besides respiratory problems. She is responding to treatment, but is not out of danger as of now”.
Gangubai Hangal was born at Dharwad to Chikkurao Nadiger, an agriculturist and Ambabai, a celebrated vocalist of Carnatic music.
Her family shifted to Hubli in 1928. She learned classical music from Krishnacharya and Dattopant Desai before studying under Sawai Gandharva.
She was influenced by her guru Sawai Gandharva, “He would teach us one phrase and never go on to the next until and unless we had mastered it.
It was difficult and there were times when I used to practice for hours together and there were also times when I would cry out of frustration. Whatever the case was he never gave up until I mastered it.”
She has been honored with many prestigious awards like the Karnataka Sangeet Nritya Academy Award, in the year 1962, the Padma Bhushan in 1971, Padma Vibhushan in 2002 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in the year 1973.
