Prabha Atre was a celebrated classical vocalist renowned for her contributions to the Kirana Gharana, have a look at her family and husband
From an early age, the connection of Prabha Atre with music blossomed, spurred by her mother’s illness, leading to a lifelong journey dedicated to Indian classical music.
Classical singer Prabha Atre passed away, death reason, biography, age, family, husband and songs
Prabha Atre passed away at the age of 91 in Pune following a cardiac arrest. She was honored with all three Padma awards by Indian government.
ज़माना बड़े शौक़ से सुन रहा था
हमीं सो गए दास्ताँ कहते कहतेमहान शास्त्रीय गायिका डॉ. प्रभा अत्रे जी का निधन !
विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि 🌺#PrabhaAtre pic.twitter.com/55XgP80HiP— कविताएँ और साहित्य (@kavitaaayein) January 13, 2024
91-year-old Prabha Atre was born on September 13, 1932, in Pune, India.
Atre’s childhood, shared with her sister Usha, took an unexpected turn when at the age of eight, she began classical music lessons to uplift her ailing mother. This transformative experience ignited her passion for the art form.
Her formal education included a Bachelor of Science from Fergusson College, an LL.B. from the University of Pune Law College, and a Ph.D. in music.
Prabha was born in Pune to Abasaheb and Indirabai Atre and was unmarried.
Prabha Atre career
Prabha Atre’s journey as a singing stage-actress marked the inception of her career. She ventured into Marathi theatre classics, such as Sanshay-Kallol and Saubhadra, showcasing her versatility beyond the realm of classical music.
However, it was her initiation into the Guru-shishya tradition, learning from Sureshbabu Mane and Hirabai Badodekar from the Kirana Gharana, that laid the foundation for her exceptional vocal prowess.
Beyond her vocal prowess, Atre was a prolific composer, introducing new Raags like Apurva Kalyan and Darbari Kauns. Her compositions, including those in Maru Bihag and Kalavati, showcased her extraordinary creativity. She also adapted her music for dance, jazz, and musical dramas, reflecting her innovative approach to the classical art form.
Atre’s impact extended beyond performance; she taught music, worked with All India Radio, and played a pivotal role in various institutions worldwide. Her commitment to education materialized in the establishment of Swaramayee Gurukul.
Her illustrious career garnered numerous awards, including the Padma Shri (1990), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2022). Recognitions like the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Giants International Award, and the Tagore Akademi Ratna Award highlighted her profound influence on Indian classical music.
Atre’s discography is a tapestry of ragas and musical forms. Notable recordings include Maru Bihag, Kalavati, Khamaj thumri, and a spectrum of ghazals and bhajans from live concerts in the 1970s.
Her literary contributions include books of music compositions like Swaranjanee and Swaranginee. Books containing her musical thoughts, such as Swaramayee and Suswaralee, offer insights into her profound understanding of the art. She also penned a book of poetry, Antah Swar.
Saddened to learn of the demise of Padma Vibhushan Prabha Atre ji.
Her contribution to Indian Classical Music is exceptional. I remember listening to her renditions of ragas during my youth & she made an incredible impression on me.
May she rest in peace.🙏 pic.twitter.com/YDyLdRrV8n— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) January 13, 2024