Union Minister Nitin Gadkari pays his respects and extends heartfelt greetings in remembrance of the legendary music composer, Padma Bhushan Srinivasa Khale, lovingly referred to as “Khale Kaka.” Srinivasa Khale, a musical maestro hailing from Maharashtra, India, remains an eternal source of inspiration for music enthusiasts across the nation.
A Remarkable Musical Journey
Srinivasa Khale’s musical voyage commenced with formal training at the Music College, now part of the Faculty of Performing Arts at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. His dedication and passion for music culminated in the attainment of a Diploma in vocal music. Khale’s musical prowess was further honed under the tutelage of Madhusudan Joshi, a revered mentor representing the Agra-Atrauli Gharana, an esteemed school of music.
A Multilingual Musical Maestro
Khale’s musical genius transcended linguistic boundaries, and his compositions resonated not only in the Marathi film industry but also in Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, and Sanskrit cinema. His diverse musical repertoire encompassed the recording of 141 poems and the composition of soul-stirring melodies for six Marathi films, including “Yanda Kartavya Ahe” (1956), “Bolki Bahauli” (1961), “Palsala Pane Teen” (year not known), “Jivhala” (1968), “Porki” (1970), and “Sobati” (1971). Additionally, Khale contributed his musical genius to theatrical plays such as “Paanigrahan,” “Vidushak,” and “Devache paay” during his tenure at Akashwani, Mumbai.
Honors and Recognitions
In 2008, the Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu community organization of Vadodara hosted a musical extravaganza to felicitate Khale upon his return to the city after an illustrious 30-year journey. Khale’s exceptional contributions to music earned him the prestigious Padma Bhushan award in 2010, a testament to his enduring influence on the musical heritage of India.
Perpetuating a Musical Legacy: Swar Shrinivas Puraskar
The legacy of Srinivasa Khale lives on through the Swar Shrinivas Puraskar, an annual award established by Hridayesh Arts. This esteemed accolade pays homage to artists who, like Khale, have dedicated their lives to the art of music. The inaugural recipient of this distinguished award was Kamlesh Bhadkamkar, an accomplished music composer who had the privilege of working closely with Khale himself.
A Musical Swan Song
Srinivasa Khale’s final album, “Nath Maza Mi Nathancha,” was released in September 2009. This extraordinary compilation featured timeless Abhangas and Bhaktigeet by the revered Saint Krishnadas, underscoring Khale’s unwavering commitment to preserving the essence of devotional music.
A Legacy of Excellence: Awards and Honors
Throughout his illustrious career, Srinivasa Khale received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Padma Bhushan award in 2010, Big Marathi Music Award for “Best Music Director,” Sarva Shreshtha Puraskar, Swarna Ratna Puraskar, Music Director Datta Davjekar Puraskar, Sangeet Ratna Puraskar, and the Worldspace honor for outstanding contribution to Marathi music as a composer, among many others.
