On the occasion of Sudhir Phadke’s birth anniversary, Nitin Gadkari, a prominent Indian politician, paid a heartfelt tribute to the renowned musician and singer. Sudhir Phadke, fondly known as Babuji, earned the status of an icon in the Marathi film industry and Marathi Sugam Sangeet (light music) over the course of five decades. He left a lasting impact on the nation’s cultural heritage with his exceptional contributions.
Nitin Gadkari, recognizing the significance of Sudhir Phadke’s work, expressed his admiration and gratitude for the late musician’s invaluable contributions to the field of music. Babuji’s melodious voice and soul-stirring compositions have continued to resonate with generations of music lovers, touching the hearts of millions across the country.
Know about Sudhir Phadke:-
Sudhir Phadke, affectionately known as “Babuji,” was a renowned Indian singer-composer who left an indelible mark on the Marathi film industry and the world of Marathi Sugam Sangeet (light music) for an astonishing five decades. Born on 25th July 1919 in Kolhapur, he embarked on a musical journey that would inspire generations of music lovers across the nation. Initially named Ram Phadke, he later adopted the name “Sudhir” after composing a song for HMV, a decision that would set the stage for a brilliant career.
Under the tutelage of the late Vamanrao Padhye in Kolhapur, Sudhir Phadke honed his vocal classical music skills, laying a strong foundation for his future musical endeavors. In the year 1941, he embarked on his musical journey with HMV, marking the beginning of his illustrious career. Subsequently, in 1946, he joined the esteemed Prabhat Film Company, where he assumed the role of a music director, further enriching his musical repertoire. Throughout his illustrious career, he composed music for numerous Marathi and Hindi films, earning him accolades for his exceptional musical talent. Babuji’s artistic brilliance was not confined to composing; he also displayed his impeccable singing skills as a playback singer, further cementing his position as an icon in the Indian music industry.
Among Sudhir Phadke’s extensive body of work, one of his most popular creations was “Geet Ramayan.” Comprising 56 songs based on verses by poet G. D. Madgulkar, Geet Ramayan beautifully summarized the Indian epic of Ramayana in a chronological sequence. The program was broadcasted on All India Radio for an entire year, from 1955 to 1956, captivating audiences and becoming one of the most beloved programs of its time. The songs were sung by various artists, including Manik Varma, Lalita Deulkar, Lata Mangeshkar, Sudhir Phadke himself, Vasantrao Deshpande, Ram Phatak, and Usha Atre, making it a memorable musical extravaganza.
