View source for Bhimsen Joshi

{{for|the raga on Bhimsen Joshi|Bhimsen (raga)}}{{Short description|Indian Hindustani classical vocalist (1922-2011)}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox person <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| honorific_prefix   = [[Pandit]]
| name               = Bhimsen Joshi
| honorific_suffix   = 
| image              = Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (cropped).jpg
| caption            = Joshi in 1971
| birth_name         = Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi
| birth_date         = {{Birth date |df=y|1922|2|04|}}
| birth_place        = [[Ron, Karnataka|Ron]], [[Gadag]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]]
| death_date         = {{Death date and age|df=y|2011|1|24|1922|2|04}}
| death_place        = [[Pune]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]
| years_active       = 1941–2000
| occupation         = [[Hindustani classical music|Hindustani Classical]] [[Vocalist]]
| nationality        = [[India]]n
| parents            = Gururajrao Joshi (father) <br/> Rama bai (mother)
| signature          = Signature of Pt. Bhimsen Joshi.svg
| awards             = {{plainlist|
* [[Padma Shri]] (1972)
* [[Padma Bhushan]] (1985)
* [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship]] (1998)
* [[Padma Vibhushan]] (1999)
* [[Maharashtra Bhushan]] (2002)
* [[Karnataka Ratna]] (2005)
* [[Bharat Ratna]] (2008)
}}
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed      = yes
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|[[Harmonium]]|[[Tanpura]]}}  <!--If you think an instrument should be listed, a discussion to reach consensus is needed first-->
| genre      = <!--These music genres are all sourced under the section #Musical themes and genres--> {{hlist|[[khayal]]}} (in the form of ''[[bhajan]]s'' and ''[[abhang]]s'')
}}
}}

'''Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=Ma-Bhimsen Joshi.ogg||ˌ|b|iː|m|s|ɛ|n|_|ˈ|d|ʒ|oʊ|ʃ|ɪ}}; {{Respell|BHEEM|SAYN}} {{Respell|joe|SHEE}}; 4 February 1922 – 24 January 2011), also known by the [[honorific]] prefix '''Pandit''', was one of the greatest Indian vocalists in the [[Hindustani classical music|Hindustani classical]] tradition from the [[Indian subcontinent]]. He is known for the ''[[khayal]]'' form of singing, as well as for his popular renditions of devotional music (''[[bhajan]]s'' and ''[[abhang]]s''). Joshi belongs to the [[Kirana gharana]] tradition of [[Hindustani Classical Music]]. He is noted for his concerts, and between 1964 and 1982 Joshi toured [[Afghanistan]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Canada]] and [[United States of America|USA]]. He was the first musician from [[India]] whose concerts were advertised through posters in [[New York City]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3k18k7iKDhwC&pg=PT11|title=Pratiyogita Darpan|access-date=1 January 2009|page=11|last1=Darpan|first1=Pratiyogita|date=January 2009|archive-date=24 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024000208/https://books.google.com/books?id=3k18k7iKDhwC&pg=PT11#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pandit Bhimsen Joshi dies at 88; Indian Classical Singer|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/arts/music/06joshi.html|work=The New York Times|author=Margalit Fox|access-date=5 February 2011|archive-date=16 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216084442/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/arts/music/06joshi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Joshi was instrumental in organising the [[Sawai Gandharva Music Festival]] annually, as homage to his guru, [[Sawai Gandharva]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_sawai-gandharva-mahotsav-renamed_1614706 |title=Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav renamed – Mumbai – DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=19 November 2011 |access-date=2013-04-27 |archive-date=26 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126083022/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_sawai-gandharva-mahotsav-renamed_1614706 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1998, he was awarded the [[List of Sangeet Natak Akademi fellows|Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship]], the highest honour conferred by [[Sangeet Natak Akademi]], India's National Academy for Music, Dance and Drama.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sangeetnatak.gov.in/sna/fellowslist.htm |title=SNA: List of Sangeet Natak Academi ''Ratna Puraskar''winners (Akademi Fellows) |publisher=Official website |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023617/http://sangeetnatak.gov.in/sna/fellowslist.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016  }}</ref> Subsequently, he received the [[Bharat Ratna]], [[India]]'s highest civilian honour, in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/nov/04ratna.htm|title=Bharat Ratna for Vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi|publisher=[[Rediff]]|access-date=21 February 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090214161418/http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/nov/04ratna.htm| archive-date= 14 February 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

== Early life ==
Bhimsen Joshi was born on 4 February 1922 in a [[Kannada people|Kannada]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Bharat Ratna Bhimsen Joshi|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/bharat-ratna-bhimsen-joshi/238862|publisher=Outlook India|access-date=5 November 2008|quote=Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi was born in a Kannadiga Brahmin family on February 4, 1922 in Gadag, an idyllic village in Dharwad district of Karnataka.|archive-date=25 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625062528/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/bharat-ratna-bhimsen-joshi/238862|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Deshastha Madhva Brahmin]] family<ref>{{cite book|title=Pandit Bhimsen Joshi|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RJBEEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT13|page=13|publisher=Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting|author=Kasturi Paigude Rane|quote=Eldest of 16 siblings, Bhimsen Joshi is born to a family that belonged to a Kannada Deshastha Madhva Brahmin lineage. His family cherished and preserved traditional values for many generations and learning and fellowships were an integral part of their life.|year=2021|isbn=9789354092619|access-date=11 January 2022|archive-date=24 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024000115/https://books.google.com/books?id=RJBEEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT13#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> to Gururajrao Joshi and Godavaribai at [[Ron, Karnataka|Ron]] in  [[Dharwad district]] in [[Karnataka]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.itcsra.org/sra_news_views/obituary/bhimsen_joshi.html|title=Bhimsen Joshi passes away|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510025433/http://www.itcsra.org/sra_news_views/obituary/bhimsen_joshi.html|archive-date=10 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/arts/music/06joshi.html| title=Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Dies at 88; Indian Classical Singer| work=The New York Times| first=Margalit| last=Fox| date=5 February 2011| access-date=24 February 2017| archive-date=16 February 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216084442/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/arts/music/06joshi.html| url-status=live}}</ref> His father, Gururaj Joshi, was a school teacher. Bhimsen was the eldest among 16 siblings. He lost his mother at a young age.<ref>{{cite book|last=Nadkarni|first=Mohan|title=Bhimsen Joshi : A Biography|year=1994|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=8172231261|url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3307165-bhimsen-joshi|access-date=28 February 2014|archive-date=12 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612083907/http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3307165-bhimsen-joshi|url-status=live}}</ref>

As a child, Joshi was fascinated with music and musical instruments like the [[harmonium]] and [[tanpura]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Biography – Bhimsen Joshi|url=http://www.hindilyrics.net/profiles/bhimsen-joshi.html|publisher=Hindi Lyrics|access-date=28 February 2014|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142114/http://www.hindilyrics.net/profiles/bhimsen-joshi.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and would often follow processions accompanied by music bands. This exercise often tired him and he would curl up somewhere and sleep, forcing his parents to go to the police after efforts to trace him failed. Fed up, his father Gururajacharya Joshi came up with the solution, writing "son of teacher Joshi" on Joshi's shirts. This worked and those who found the boy sleeping would safely deposit him back to his house.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pattanashetti|first=Girish|title=Ron was his home and his heart|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/gadag-was-his-home-and-his-heart/article1122767.ece|access-date=28 February 2014|newspaper=The Hindu|date=25 January 2011|location=Chennai, India|archive-date=5 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305032042/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/gadag-was-his-home-and-his-heart/article1122767.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Musical training ==

His first music teacher was Channappa of Kurtakoti of [[dhobi]] community, who had trained with the veteran singer Inayat Khan. After learning Ragas [[Bhairav (raga)|Bhairav]] and [[Bhimpalasi]], the one and only unique vigorous style of rendering he developed along with advanced trainings by other teachers is attributed to the basic training he received from Channappa. 

=== Searching for a guru ===

Joshi heard a recording of [[Abdul Karim Khan]]'s [[Thumri]] "Piya Bin Nahi Aavat Chain" in Raga [[Jhinjhoti]] when he was a child, which inspired him to become a musician. During this time, he also heard Pandit [[Sawai Gandharva]] at a performance in Kundgol. In 1933, the 11-year-old Joshi left [[Dharwad]] for [[Bijapur, Karnataka|Bijapur]] to find a master and learn music.<ref name="google2">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O0YIAQAAMAAJ|title=Bhimsen Joshi, A biography|isbn=9788172231262|last1=Nadkarni|first1=Mohan|year=1994|publisher=Indus |access-date=20 June 2015|archive-date=24 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024000116/https://books.google.com/books?id=O0YIAQAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="kan">{{cite web|url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/content/Nov52008/national2008110598978.asp?section=thirdcolumnupdatenews|title=Relentless riyaz- Bhimsen Joshis recipe for success|work=Deccan Herald|date=5 November 2008|access-date=5 November 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511182635/http://archive.deccanherald.com/content/Nov52008/national2008110598978.asp?section=thirdcolumnupdatenews|archive-date=11 May 2011}}</ref> With the help of money lent by his co-passengers in the train, Joshi reached [[Dharwad]] first, briefly studying with Dharwad-native [[Gururao Deshpande|Pt. Gururao Deshpande]], and later went to [[Pune]]. Later he moved to [[Gwalior]] and got into Madhava Music School, a school run by Maharajas of Gwalior, with the help of famous ''[[sarod]]'' player [[Hafiz Ali Khan]]. He traveled for three years around North India, including in Delhi, [[Kolkata]], [[Gwalior]], [[Lucknow]] and [[Rampur, Uttar Pradesh|Rampur]], trying to find a good guru. He met Ustad Mushtaq Husain Khan of Rampur Gharana and stayed for more than one year.<ref name="class">{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?page=article&sectid=91&contentid=2008110620081106034527780499316b0|title=A class apart|work=Mumbai Mirror|date=6 November 2008|access-date=18 November 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327215758/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?page=article|archive-date=27 March 2009}}</ref> Eventually, his father succeeded in tracking him down in [[Jalandhar]] and brought young Joshi back home.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X-uNDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT73|title=Wonderkids: 100 Children Who grew Up to Be Champions of Change|page=73|author=Anu Kumar|publisher=Hachette UK|date=15 April 2019|isbn=978-9388322089|access-date=13 September 2020|archive-date=24 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024000117/https://books.google.com/books?id=X-uNDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT73|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Sawai Gandharva ===

In 1936, [[Sawai Gandharva]], a native of [[Dharwad]], agreed to be his guru. Joshi stayed at his house in the ''guru-shishya'' (teacher-student) tradition.  Joshi continued his training with Sawai Gandharva. His senior fellow student was [[Gangubai Hangal]] of Besta (fishermen) community, whom Joshi used to respectfully address as ''akka'' (elder sister).

== Career ==

Joshi first performed live in 1941 at the age of 19. His debut album, containing a few [[devotional song]]s in [[Marathi language|Marathi]] and [[Hindi]], was released by [[Saregama|His Master's Voice]] the next year in 1942. Later Joshi moved to [[Mumbai]] in 1943 and worked as a radio artist. His performance at a concert in 1946 to celebrate his guru Sawai Gandharva's 60th birthday won him accolades both from the audience and his guru.<ref name=sundaytrib>{{cite news|last=Chatterji|first=Shoma A.|title=A living legend|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20081207/spectrum/main5.htm|access-date=25 January 2011|newspaper=The Sunday Tribune|date=7 December 2008|archive-date=5 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505075112/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20081207/spectrum/main5.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1984, he received his 1st Platinum Disc, being the first Hindustani Vocalist to receive the award.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/profile-of-pandit-bhimsen-joshi/articleshow/7356593.cms|title=Profile of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi &#124; Pune News - Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=25 January 2011|access-date=22 April 2021|archive-date=24 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024000120/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/profile-of-pandit-bhimsen-joshi/articleshow/7356593.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Hindustani classical music ===

Joshi's performances have been acknowledged by music critics such as S. N. Chandrashekhar of the [[Deccan Herald]] to be marked by spontaneity, accurate notes, dizzyingly-paced ''[[Taan (music)|taan]]s'' which make use of his exceptional voice training, and a mastery over rhythm.<ref name="deccanherald1">{{cite web | url = http://www.deccanherald.com/content/131822/haunting-melodic-grace-pandit-bhimsen.html | work = Deccan Herald | title = Haunting melodic grace of Pandit Bhimsen Joshiji | date = 24 January 2011 | access-date = 17 June 2013 | archive-date = 28 December 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131228053757/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/131822/haunting-melodic-grace-pandit-bhimsen.html | url-status = live }}</ref> In his especially mid singing career (i.e. the 60s & 70s) Joshi's most iconic and noticeable trait was his use of swift and long aakar taans, exemplifying tremendous and almost unrivalled breath-control, although he rarely used sargam taans. The Hindu, in an article written after he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, said: ''Bhimsen Joshi was ever the wanderer, engendering brilliant phrases and tans more intuitively than through deliberation''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/11/07/stories/2008110751130100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510083143/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/11/07/stories/2008110751130100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 May 2011 | location=Chennai, India |work=[[The Hindu]] | title=Seeking the stars | date=7 November 2008}}</ref> Joshi occasionally employed the use of [[Sargam (music)|sargam]] and [[tihai]], and often sang traditional compositions of the {{transliteration|hi|Kirana gharana}}. His music often injected surprising and sudden turns of phrase, for example through the unexpected use of boltaans. Over the years, his repertoire tended to favour a relatively small number of complex and serious ragas; however, he remained one of the most prolific exponents of Hindustani classical music. Some of Joshi's more popular [[raga]]s include Shuddha Kalyan, Miyan Ki Todi, Puriya Dhanashri, [[Multani (raga)|Multani]], [[Bhimpalasi]], [[Darbari]], Malkauns, Abhogi, Lalit, Yaman, Asavari Todi, Miyan ki malhar and [[Ramkali]]. He was a purist who has not dabbled in experimental forms of music, except for a series of Jugalbandi recordings with the Carnatic singer [[M. Balamuralikrishna]].{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

Joshi's singing has been influenced by many musicians, including [[Kesarbai Kerkar|Smt. Kesarbai Kerkar]], [[Begum Akhtar]] and as aforementioned, [[Amir Khan (singer)|Ustad Amir Khan]]. Joshi assimilated into his own singing various elements that he liked in different musical styles and [[Gharana]]s.<ref name="deccanherald1"/>
He along with Smt. Gangubai Hangal along with others took [[Kirana gharana]] to heights and are proudly referred as worthy son and daughter of kirana gharana. Both were from Old Dharwad district.

[[Purshottam Walawalkar|Pandit Purshottam Walawalkar]] used to accompany Pandit Bhimsen Joshi on the [[harmonium]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-purshottam-walawalkar-the-guru-who-played-with-the-legends-1953477|title=About Panditji's performing career|date=5 December 2017|access-date=24 March 2023|archive-date=21 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321124253/https://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-purshottam-walawalkar-the-guru-who-played-with-the-legends-1953477|url-status=live}}</ref> Also [[Tulsidas Borkar|Pandit Tulsidas Borkar]] used to accompany Panditji on the harmonium.

=== Devotional music ===

In devotional music, Joshi was most acclaimed for his [[Hindi]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]] and [[Kannada language|Kannada]] [[Bhajan]] singing. He has recorded [[bhakti]] songs in Marathi, ''Santavani'', Kannada ''Dasavani''.<ref name="deccanherald1"/>

=== Patriotic music ===

Joshi was widely recognised in India due to his performance in the [[Mile Sur Mera Tumhara]] music video (1988), which begins with him and which was composed originally by him when he was asked to do so by the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The video was created for the purpose of national integration in India, and highlights the diversity of Indian culture. Joshi was also a part of [[Jana Gana Mana]] produced by [[A. R. Rahman]] on the occasion of the 50th year of Indian Republic.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pandit Bhimsen Joshi & Indian cinema|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/slideshow-pandit-bhimsen-joshi-indian-cinema-1499085|work=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=25 January 2011}}</ref>

=== Playback singing ===

Joshi sang for several films, including ''[[Basant Bahar (film)|Basant Bahar]]'' (1956) with [[Manna Dey]], in Marathi movie "Swayamvar zale Siteche" (1964) for famous song "Ramya Hi Swargahun lanka", in Kannada movie [[Sandhya Raga]] (1966) where he has sung extensively. It includes a song "e pariya sobagu" rendered in both Hindustani and Carnatic ({{transliteration|hi|Karnataka shastriya sangeetha}}) styles along with [[M. Balamuralikrishna]]. He sang ''Birbal My Brother'' (1973) with [[Pandit Jasraj]]. He also sang for the Bengali film Tansen (1958) and Bollywood Movie [[Ankahee (1985 film)|''Ankahee'']] (1985) which later fetched him [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer]] for the song ''Thumak Thumak Pag''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bharat Ratna Bhimsen Joshi passes away in Pune|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bharat-ratna-bhimsen-joshi-passes-away-in-pune/141342-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125225148/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bharat-ratna-bhimsen-joshi-passes-away-in-pune/141342-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2011|access-date=24 January 2011|publisher=[[IBN Live]]|date=24 January 2011}}</ref> His song 'Bhagyadalakshmi baaramma', a [[Purandara Dasa]] composition, was used by [[Anant Nag]] and [[Shankar Nag]] in the Kannada film ''Nodi Swami Naavu Irodhu Heege''.<ref name="deccanherald1"/> He also sang as a playback singer for the Marathi film Gulacha Ganapati, produced and directed by [[P. L. Deshpande]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O0YIAQAAMAAJ&q=gulacha|title=Bhimsen Joshi, A biography|isbn=9788172231262|last1=Nadkarni|first1=Mohan|year=1994|publisher=Indus |access-date=13 September 2020|archive-date=24 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024000631/https://books.google.com/books?id=O0YIAQAAMAAJ&q=gulacha|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:The President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam met Pandit Bhimsen Joshi at his residence in Pune during the course of his visit to the city on January 17, 2007.jpg|thumb|Then President of [[India]] [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]] meeting Joshi in 2007]]

=== Sawai Gandharva Music Festival ===

Joshi and his friend Nanasaheb Deshpande organised the [[Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav|Sawai Gandharva Music Festival]] as a homage to his guru, Sawai Gandharva, along with the [[Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal]] in 1953, marking Gandharva's first death anniversary. The festival has been held ever since, typically on the second weekend of December in [[Pune]], Maharashtra also in kundagol Dharwad district and has become not only a cultural event for the city, but an annual pilgrimage for [[Hindustani Classical music]] lovers all over the world. Joshi conducted the festival annually since 1953, until his retirement in 2002.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}

== Legacy ==

Bhimsen Joshi toured several countries between 1964 and 1982, such as [[Afghanistan]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Canada]], and the [[United States]], significantly contributing to the global reach of Hindustani classical music. His distinct performance style was marked by frequent reinterpretations of the same compositions, ensuring that each rendition was unique.<ref name= "biography">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bhimsen-Joshi |title=Bhimsen Joshi |website=Encyclopaedia Britannica |access-date=2025-03-28}}</ref>
 
Bhimsen Joshi's partnership with the famous Carnatic artist [[M. Balamuralikrishna]] stands out. Their jugalbandi showcased a unique blend of Hindustani and Carnatic music, successfully maintaining the essence of both styles while innovating something original. Bhimsen Joshi continued to perform into his later years, with his final major concert occurring in 2004, where he once again shared the stage with Balamuralikrishna.<ref name="biography"/>

Bhimsen Joshi’s final performance at the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival in 2007 marked an important chapter in his career, where he both performed and played a key role in enriching the festival's history. In December 2010, shortly before his death, he made a brief appearance at the festival’s 58th edition. Although he did not perform, the audience gave him a standing ovation, reflecting the lasting impact of his work and legacy.<ref name="biography"/>

A classicist by training and temperament, Joshi was renowned for having evolved an approach that sought to achieve a balance between what may be termed as "traditional values and mass-culture tastes" and as such he went on to have supposedly the largest commercially recorded repertoire in Hindustani vocal music. Pt. Joshi's iconic status in the music world has earned him a whole generation of {{transliteration|hi|suni shagirds}} who by merely listening to him have picked up his style and not through any formal tutelage.
His greatest endeavour in perpetuating his legacy could be the Sawai Gandharva Festival held at Pune annually since the year 1953 which seeks to promote a certain music culture.<ref name="passing">{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/music/pandit-bhimsen-joshi-the-glory-of-indian-music-618238|title=Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, the glory of Indian music|date=24 January 2011|publisher=NDTV|access-date=17 June 2015|archive-date=17 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617125405/http://movies.ndtv.com/music/pandit-bhimsen-joshi-the-glory-of-indian-music-618238|url-status=live}}</ref>

Madhav Gudi, Prof Baldev Singh Bali, Narayan Deshpande, Shrikant Deshpande, Shrinivas Joshi, Anand Bhate and others are some of his more well-known disciples.<ref name="google2"/>

Since 2012 [[Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Lifetime Achievement Award]] is given by the Government of Maharashtra to artist who has been doing outstanding work in the field of classical singing and playing for a long time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maharashtra institutes award in memory of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/Maharashtra-institutes-award-in-memory-of-Pandit-Bhimsen-Joshi/article15534143.ece |access-date=28 February 2023 |work=[[The Hindu]] |agency=[[Press Trust of India|PTI]] |date=26 January 2011 |language=en-IN}}</ref>

In September 2014, a postage stamp  featuring Joshi was released by [[India Post]] commemorating his contributions to Hindustani music.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Govind |first=Ranjani |date=3 September 2014 |title=Four of eight commemorative stamps feature musical legends from State |language=en-IN |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/four-of-eight-commemorative-stamps-feature-musical-legends-from-state/article6376803.ece |access-date=22 December 2022 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=22 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222170827/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/four-of-eight-commemorative-stamps-feature-musical-legends-from-state/article6376803.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Personal life ==

Joshi married twice. His first wife was Sunanda Katti, the daughter of his maternal uncle, whom he married in 1944. He had four children from Sunanda; Raghavendra, Usha, Sumangala, and Anand.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jamkhandi |first1=Gururaj |title=We want recognition as Pandit Bhimsen's legitimate family |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/We-want-recognition-as-Pandit-Bhimsens-legitimate-family/articleshow/25567713.cms |access-date=4 February 2021 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=November 11, 2013 |language=en |archive-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004103518/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/We-want-recognition-as-Pandit-Bhimsens-legitimate-family/articleshow/25567713.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1951, he married Vatsala Mudholkar, his co-actor in the Kannada play Bhagya-Shree. Bigamous marriages among Hindus were prohibited by law in the Bombay Presidency; so he took up residency in Nagpur (capital of Central Province and Berar in 1951) where bigamy was allowed and married there for the second time. He did not divorce or separate from Sunanda. With Vatsala, he had three children; Jayant, Shubhada, and [[Shrinivas Joshi]].<ref name="google2"/> Initially, both his wives and families lived together, but when this did not work out, his first wife moved out with the family to live in a house in Limayewadi in [[Sadashiv Peth, Pune|Sadashiv Peth]], Pune, where Joshi continued to visit them.<ref name='passing' /><ref>{{cite news|last=Jamkhandi|first=Gururaj|title='We want recognition as Pandit Bhimsen's legitimate family – Interview|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/We-want-recognition-as-Pandit-Bhimsens-legitimate-family/articleshow/25567713.cms|access-date=28 February 2014|newspaper=The Times of India|date=11 November 2013|archive-date=11 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111073209/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/We-want-recognition-as-Pandit-Bhimsens-legitimate-family/articleshow/25567713.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

Joshi struggled with alcoholism, which he overcame by the late 1970s.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2011-02-03|title=Bhimsen Joshi|newspaper=The Economist|url=https://www.economist.com/obituary/2011/02/03/bhimsen-joshi?story_id=18060826|access-date=2021-12-26|issn=0013-0613|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226005502/https://www.economist.com/obituary/2011/02/03/bhimsen-joshi?story_id=18060826|url-status=live}}</ref>

Outside of music, Joshi was passionate about cars and had a deep knowledge of auto mechanics.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mukerji|first=Ranojoy|date=2011-01-25|title=Bhimsen Joshi loved his Mercedes|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/south/story/vocalist-bhimsen-joshi-loved-his-mercedes-127220-2011-01-25|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-26|website=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226005502/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/south/story/vocalist-bhimsen-joshi-loved-his-mercedes-127220-2011-01-25 |archive-date=26 December 2021 }}</ref>

== Death==
Joshi was admitted to [[Sahyadri Hospital|Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital]] on 31 December 2010 with [[gastrointestinal bleeding]] and [[Pneumonia|bilateral pneumonia]]. Due to difficulty in breathing, he was put on ventilator support. He suffered convulsions and was put on dialysis too during his stay in hospital. Though he recovered briefly for three days when he was taken off the ventilator, his condition deteriorated thereafter. He died on 24 January 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pandit Bhimsen Joshi passes away|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-25/pune/28360943_1_kirana-gharana-maestro-pandit-bhimsen-joshi-sawai-gandharva|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227042345/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-25/pune/28360943_1_kirana-gharana-maestro-pandit-bhimsen-joshi-sawai-gandharva|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 December 2013|access-date=24 January 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=24 January 2011}}</ref> He was cremated at Vaikunth Crematorium in [[Pune]] with full state honours.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pt Bhimsen Joshi's funeral held with all state honours|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/music/news/2011/bhimsen-joshi-funeral-state-honours-250111-aid0062.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713025231/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/music/news/2011/bhimsen-joshi-funeral-state-honours-250111-aid0062.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 July 2012|access-date=25 January 2011|work=One India|date=25 January 2011}}</ref>

== Discography ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Album !! Year !! Type
|-
| Pt. Bhimsen Joshi (Miyan Malhar + Puriya Kalyan)<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.discogs.com/Bhimsen-Joshi-First-LP-Record-Of-Bhimsen-Joshi/release/4358025 | title=Bhimsen Joshi - First LP Record of Bhimsen Joshi | website=[[Discogs]] | year=2005 | access-date=11 March 2015 | archive-date=11 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311034939/https://www.discogs.com/Bhimsen-Joshi-First-LP-Record-Of-Bhimsen-Joshi/release/4358025 | url-status=live }}</ref>|| 1960 || LP
|-
| Raga Lalit / Raga Shudh-Kalyan<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/1666684-Bhimsen-Joshi| title=Bhimsen Joshi| website=[[Discogs]]| access-date=11 March 2015| archive-date=2 April 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402085644/http://www.discogs.com/artist/1666684-Bhimsen-Joshi| url-status=live}}</ref>|| 1961|| LP
|-
| Pt. Bhimsen Joshi Sings Raga Malkauns / Marubihag|| 1962|| LP
|-
| Miya Ki Todi / Puriya Dhanashri / M. Gara Thumri|| 1963|| LP
|-
| Ragas Yaman-Kalyan, Multani|| 1967|| LP
|-
| Chhaya / Chhaya-Malhar / Darbari / Suha-Kanada|| 1968|| LP
|-
| Raga Komal Rishabh Asawari/ Raga Marwa|| 1968|| LP
|-
| Raga Lalit-Bhatiyar / Raga Kalashree|| 1971|| LP
|-
| Raga Pooriya / Raga Durga|| 1973|| LP
|-
| Raga Brindavani Sarang / Raga [[Gaud Sarang]]|| 1973|| LP
|-
| Enchanting Melodies (6 melodies from 45 rpm releases)|| 1974|| LP
|-
| Raga Soor Malhar / Raga Shuddha Kedar|| 1980s|| LP

|}

== Awards and recognitions ==
[[File:The Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri A.E. Ahmad giving away the Bharat Ratna Award to Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, at Pune on February 10, 2009.jpg|thumb|Joshi being conferred [[Bharat Ratna]], India's highest civilian award, in 2009]]
* 1972 – [[Padma Shri]]<ref name=zeenews>{{cite news|title=Pandit Bhimsen Joshi: A Profile|url=http://www.zeenews.com/news481046.html|access-date=24 January 2011|newspaper=ZEE News|date=5 November 2008|archive-date=12 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212160754/http://www.zeenews.com/news481046.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1976 – [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]]<ref name=zeenews/>
* 1985 – [[Padma Bhushan]]<ref name=zeenews/>
* 1985 – [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer]]
* 1986 – "First platinum disc"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-bhimsen-joshi-living-legend-in-indian-classical-music-1229441|title=Bhimsen Joshi: Living legend in Indian classical music|date=10 February 2009|website=DNA India|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125015242/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-bhimsen-joshi-living-legend-in-indian-classical-music-1229441|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1998 – [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship]]
* 1999 – [[Padma Vibhushan]]<ref name=zeenews/>
* 2000 – "Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikhar Puraskar"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/section/entertainment/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803162620/http://www.screenindia.com/old/20001117/tnews.htm|url-status=dead|title=Entertainment News: Latest Bollywood & Hollywood News, Today's Entertainment News Headlines|archivedate=3 August 2009|website=The Indian Express}}</ref>
* 2002 – [[Maharashtra Bhushan Award|Maharashtra Bhushan]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120610052842/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-04-27/news-interviews/27121057_1_bhimsen-joshi-padma-bhushan-classical-music Times Of India Article]</ref>
* 2003 – "Swathi Sangeetha Puraskaram" by [[Government of Kerala]]<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2003/12/02/stories/2003120208750400.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031204175823/http://www.hindu.com/2003/12/02/stories/2003120208750400.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=4 December 2003 | location=Chennai, India | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=Award presented to Bhimsen Joshi | date=2 December 2003}}</ref>
* 2005 – [[Karnataka Ratna]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/bhimsen-joshi-conferred-upon-karnataka-rathna_245420.html|title=Bhimsen Joshi conferred upon 'Karnataka Rathna'|date=30 September 2005|website=Zee News|access-date=22 June 2020|archive-date=23 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623123046/https://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/bhimsen-joshi-conferred-upon-karnataka-rathna_245420.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2008 – "Swami Haridas Award"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/009200808272140.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728032751/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/009200808272140.htm|url-status=usurped|title=hinduonnet.com|archivedate=28 July 2011|website=www.hinduonnet.com}}</ref>
* 2009 – [[Bharat Ratna]]<ref name=zeenews/>
* 2009 – "Lifetime achievement award" by [[Government of Delhi|Delhi government]]<ref>[https://archive.today/20120717182143/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-09-01/pune/28088563_1_lifetime-achievement-award-delhi-government-shriniwas-joshi Bhimsen happy about Delhi govt award]</ref>
* 2010 – "S V Narayanaswamy Rao National Award" by Rama Seva Mandali, [[Bangalore]]
* 2017 – Bharatratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Hospital By Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation, Bhayander West
* 2024 - [[Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards|Sur Jyotsna National Music Award]] Aadranjali Purskar  <ref>{{Cite web |last=author/online-lokmat |date=2021-02-17 |title=वडिलांचा सन्मान होतोय याचा आनंद {{!}} Shrinivas Joshi {{!}} Lokmat SurJyotsna National Music Awards 2021 |url=https://www.lokmat.com/filmy/videos/joy-honoring-father-shrinivas-joshi-lokmat-surjyotsna-national-music-awards-2021-a678/ |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=Lokmat |language=mr}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==

* {{cite book|last=Nadkarni|first=Mohan|title=Bhimsen Joshi: the man and his music|publisher=Prism Communications|year=1983}}
* {{cite book|last=Nadkarni|first=Mohan|title=Bhimsen Joshi: a biography|publisher=Indus, New Delhi|year=1994|isbn=81-7223-126-1}}
* {{cite book|last=Majumdar|first=Abhik|title=Bhimsen Joshi: A Passion for Music|publisher=Rupa & Co|year=2004|isbn=81-291-0354-0}}
* Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, a biography by Dr Sadanand Kanavalli in Kannada

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|Bhimsen Joshi|display=Bhimsen Joshi|wikt=no|v=no|voy=no|n=no|b=no|s=no|author=yes|d=Q121077}}
*[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bhimsen-Joshi Bhimsen Joshi] at [[Encyclopædia Britannica]]
*[https://www.economist.com/obituary/2011/02/03/bhimsen-joshi Bhimsen Joshi] at [[The Economist]]
* [http://www.kamat.com/indica/music/bhimsen_joshi.htm Bhimsen Joshi Picture Album]
* [http://courses.nus.edu.sg/course/ellpatke/Miscellany/bhimsen.htm Bhimsen Joshi: List of Classical Vocal Recordings]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101225144552/http://filmsdivision.org/view_video.php?movId=ODU4 A films division documentary on Bhimsen Joshi]
* [http://www.indrayanikaathi.com/2012/12/tenth-rasa.html A blog on recitals of Bhimsen Joshi]

{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
{{Bharat Ratna}}
{{Padma Vibhushan Awards}}
{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 1980–89}}
{{National Film Award Best Male Playback Singer}}
{{SangeetNatakAkademiFellowship}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Joshi, Bhimsen}}
[[Category:Recipients of the Bharat Ratna]]
[[Category:Hindustani singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Khyal singers]]
[[Category:Singers from Karnataka]]
[[Category:Kannada people]]
[[Category:Indian Hindus]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Karnataka Ratna]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Vibhushan in arts]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship]]
[[Category:People from Gadag district]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Maharashtra Bhushan Award]]
[[Category:Marathi-language singers]]
[[Category:Marathi playback singers]]
[[Category:1922 births]]
[[Category:2011 deaths]]
[[Category:Kirana gharana]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male classical singers]]
[[Category:Best Male Playback Singer National Film Award winners]]