Jitendra Abhisheki
| Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki |
| Born |
21 September 1929 Mangeshi, Goa, India |
| Died | 7 November 1998 (aged 69) |
| Genres | Classical, semi-classical, devotional, natya sangeet |
| Occupations | Singer, composer, music teacher |
| Years active | 1929–1998 |
| Website | Official site |
Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki (Devanagari: पंडित जितेंद्र अभिषेकी; 21 September 1929 – 7 November 1998) was an Indian vocalist, composer and scholar of Indian classical, semi-classical, and devotional music. While he distinguished himself in Hindustani music, he is also credited for revival of the Marathi musical theatre in the 1960s.
Early life and background
Abhisheki was born in a priestly Padhye Brahmin family in Mangeshi, Goa. His family was traditionally attached to the Mangueshi Temple of Lord Shiva. His father, Balawantrao aka Bikambhat, was a half-brother and a disciple of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, and the temple priest and a Kirtankar (performer of Kirtana, a devotional music style). Balawantrao taught Jitendra the basic principles of Hindustani classical music. Abhishek received further training in vocal music from Pandit Jagannathbua Purohit and Ustad Azmat Hussain Khan of Agra Gharana, and Gulubhai Jasdanwala of Jaipur Gharana. He developed a distinct style of rendering khayal, and was also well known for his renditions of Marathi Natyasangeet and devotional songs.
Career
After receiving a degree in Sanskrit literature, Abhisheki joined All India Radio (AIR) at Mumbai for a brief period, when he came in contact with several musicians and also got an opportunity to display his musical talents by composing several pieces for radio programs. Around this time, he received a scholarship from the Indian Government for advanced training in Hindustani classical music under Ustad Azmat Hussain Khan.
He composed vocal as well as background scores for 25 Marathi plays. After receiving a Homi Bhabha fellowship in the late sixties, he taught at a music school run in the USA by sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar. He maintained his ties to his homeland of Goa through his association with the Kala Academy, counseling and guiding students from that state.
Legacy
Besides son Shounak Abhisheki, the following are Pandit Abhisheki's well-known musical disciples:
- Asha Khadilkar
- Devaki Pandit
- Shubha Mudgal
- Ajit Kadkade
- Hemant Pendse
- Mahesh Kale
- Dr Mohankumar Darekar
- Prabhakar Karekar
- Rājā Kālè
- Ramdas Kamat
- Sameer Dublay
- Vasant Marathe
- Vijay Koparkar
- Chandrakant Naik
- Sumedha Desai
- Makarand Hingne
- Shekhar Kumbhojkar
- Sudhakar Deoley
- Dr.Laxmikant Sahakari
Discography
Awards and recognitions
- Homi Bhabha Fellowship (1969)
- Natyadarpan Award (1978)
- Padma Shri (1988)
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1989)
- Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar (1990)
- Gomantak Marathi Academy Award (1992)
- Balgandharva Puraskar (1995)
- Surashree Kesarbai Kerkar Award (1996)
- Master Deenanath Smriti Puraskar (1996)
- Lata Mangeshkar Puraskar (1996)
- Balgandharva Puraskar (Natyaparishad, 1997)
- Puraskar(Kailas Math Nasik, 1997)