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.
Geet Ramayan and Other Masterpieces
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.
Apart from Geet Ramayan, Sudhir Phadke composed several other significant songs that left an indelible mark on the hearts of his listeners. Some notable creations include “Jyoti Kalash Chalke” (Bhabhi ki Chudiyan), sung by Lata Mangeshkar, and “Pehli Tarikh,” sung by Kishore Kumar, which remains a favorite even today, being played on Radio Ceylon-Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation on the 1st of every month.
Recognitions and Legacy
Throughout his career, Sudhir Phadke received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to music. He won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi at the 11th National Film Awards in 1963 for the film “Ha Majha Marg Ekla.” Additionally, he was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1991 and received the Sahyadri Swara Ratna Puraskar in April 2002.
Sadly, Sudhir Phadke left this world on 29th July 2002, after suffering a brain haemorrhage. His demise marked the end of an era in Indian music, but his legacy continues to thrive through his timeless melodies and inspiring compositions.
To honor his memory, a flyover connecting Borivali and Dahisar in Mumbai was named after him, and a Mumbai suburb road in Bhandup (West) was renamed “Sangeetkar Sudhir Phadke Marg” by the BMC.
Sudhir Phadke’s musical contributions have forever etched him in the hearts of music enthusiasts, and his melodies will continue to resonate in the hearts of millions, reminding us of the cultural richness and musical heritage he has bequeathed to the nation.
