Gambhari Devi

Gambhari Devi
Born 1922
Origin Bilaspur, (A place which later on her name called Gambher pool) Himachal Pradesh, India
Died Jan 8, 2013
Occupation(s) Folk Musician, Folk Dancer and Folk Entertainer

Gambhari Devi (1922 – Jan 8, 2013) was a veteran Indian folk singer, folklorist and dancer from Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh,[1] noted for her contribution to the folk culture of Himachal Pradesh.[2]

She was awarded the Tagore Akademi Award (Tagore Akademi Puruskar) by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the National Academy for Music, Dance and Drama in 2011, given to 100 artists from across India to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, for her contribution in the field of performing arts.[3][4] In 2001 she received award from Himachal Academy of Arts. She died on January 8, 2013 at the age of 91.[5]

Life experiences

She was born in Bandla village of Bilaspur district in Himachal Pradesh in 1922. She started performing at the age of 8. She married at an early age like the other girls of the village which not only debarred her from singing in which she was fully involved but her emotional life also affected accordingly. She was totally devoted to singing and dancing instead of strong opposition from her family as well society at large. She was determined to create new vistas of folk art thus married life could not bound her for so log and she broke all shackles to prove her worth. She was widely criticized by the society and become the source of jeers and taunts of the society. Sarcastic society forced her to leave her village for so long but this could not stop her from showcasing her artistic faculties.

Her life

She was equipped with golden voice and her dancing steps fascinated the public to such an extent that slowly they forgot her social stigma and started inviting her to perform on various occasions. Slowly, she became so popular that no function could complete without her performance. Such was the impact of the lady that she was started considering as idol of romance. People started gathering from far away places for her performances and the same locality considered marriage ceremonies unceremonious without her performance and attendance. She was considered a matinee idol of her time. She was accompanied by a drummer and a wrestler (Pistu urf Basanta Pehlwaan) who also become a legend along with Devi. Unlike the western countries where you don't have to have a certificate of marriage to show to your society to live together, this couple has a lot to suffer to come out of the clutches of this society. They could enjoy her performances but could not accept her liberal behaviour. Devi later sacrificed her love and on request of Devi herself, Basanta Pehlwaan later married to another woman.

She continued performing till her later ages. She was not feeling well though and she discontinued performing because of her health issues in last few months of her life.

Awards

She won several hearts through her extraordinary boldness, singing and dancing traits.

References

  1. ↑ "London Olympics silver medallist Vijay Kumar conferred Rs 1 crore and Himachal Gaurav Award". Economic Times. Aug 15, 2012. Retrieved 2014-08-02.
  2. ↑ Ashoka Jerath (1995). The Splendour of Himalayan Art and Culture. Indus Publishing. pp. 151–. ISBN 978-81-7387-034-7.
  3. ↑ "Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna and Akademi Puraskar". Sangeet Natak Akademi. 2011. Retrieved 2014-08-02. .. a one-time honour of Tagore Samman to be awarded to 100 persons of the age of 75 years and above who have made significant contribution in the field of performing arts.
  4. ↑ "List of recipients of Tagore Akademi Puraskar" (PDF). Press Information Bureau, Government of India. Retrieved 2014-08-02.
  5. ↑ "Folk singer Gambhari Devi passes away , लोक गायिका गंभरी देवी का निधन" (in Hindi). Amar Ujala. January 9, 2013. Retrieved 2014-08-02.
  1. ↑ Jeratha, A. (1995). The Splendour of Himalayan Art and Culture. Indus Publishing Company. p. 151. ISBN 9788173870347. Retrieved 2014-10-05.
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