Daijiworld Media Network – Dharwad (SP)

Dharwad, Apr 23: Respected vocalist, staunch follower and disciple of the late Pt Bhimsen Joshi, Pt Madhav Gudi, passed away in the early hours on Friday April 22. His death has effectively resulted in the severing of another important link in the Kirana Gharana style of musical rendition, for which he and his guru were well-known for. Gudi, who was famed for his melodious style of singing, and the devotional songs that have endeared him to thousands of people, is survived by mother, Subbalakshmi, wife, Ramabai, son and singer, Prasanna Gudi, and three daughters.

After his health turned precarious all of a sudden on last Sunday, Pt Gudi was admitted into a private hospital here. At around 1.30 am on Friday, his health condition turned delicate. As his body was not responding to treatments and medicines, he was brought to his home in Yellapur, where he breathed his last at around 2 am.

Pt Gudi, who was very much attached to his mentor and guru, Pt Bhimsen Joshi, always believed in serving his master and attending the latter’s concerts in a supportive role. The recent death of his guru has made a lasting imprint on Pt Gudi’s mind. He developed health complications, and treatments provided at Mumbai too did not have the desired affect.

Gudi, who got trained by Pt Bhimsen Joshi for 15 years, worked with his master for 30 years. He was decorated with a number of awards including Karnataka Kala Tilaka, Gana Bhaskara, and Karnataka Kalashree.

His cremation was performed at the graveyard at Hosa Yellapur at around 10 am on Friday, after his mortal remains were taken there from his home in a procession.

State Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa, Kannada and culture minister, Govind Karjol, Kannada and culture department director, Manu Baligar, information department director, Muddumohan, and a number of other dignitaries have mourned the untimely death of this accomplist artist.