Pune: In a profound loss to the world of music, the veteran classical singer Prabha Atre, aged 92, passed away at her residence in Pune. The news came as a shock to the music industry, where Atre was known for her exceptional talent and undying passion for singing.
Scheduled to perform at the ‘Swaraprabha’ program in Mumbai on the day of her demise, Prabha Atre’s commitment to her craft remained unwavering even at the age of 92. Tragically, she suffered a heart attack while sleeping in the early morning, prompting her admission to Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital. However, she passed away before receiving treatment.
Prabha Atre, a Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan awardee, hailed from the illustrious Kirana family and left an indelible mark on Indian classical music. Born in Pune, she began her journey into classical singing at the age of eight. Despite her robust career, she continued to pursue education, obtaining degrees in science and law, and later earning a doctorate in music.
“Known for her versatility, Prabha Atre excelled not only as a singer but also as a music composer, writer, professor, and comedian. Her mastery extended across various genres, including thumri, dadra, ghazal, classical, theatrical, bhajan, and sentimental singing. Remarkably, she held the world record for publishing 11 books on music in Hindi and English”.
Colleagues and admirers expressed their condolences, praising Prabha Atre’s unwavering dedication to her art. Loksatta Assistant Editor Mukund Sangoram highlighted her enduring talent, emphasizing her commitment to music until her last breath.
“Fellow classical singer Aarti Anklekar remembered Atre as eternally young and credited her for significant contributions to the world of music. Pandit Amarendra Dhaneshwar commended her success as a performer, teacher, and writer, expressing the anticipation of Mumbai fans for her scheduled felicitation”.
Politician Nitin Gadkari mourned the irreparable loss, acknowledging Prabha Atre’s multifaceted identity and invaluable contributions to Hindustani classical music. As the classical music community grieves, Prabha Atre’s legacy lives on, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide.
