Date:09/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/09/stories/2005050903280300.htm

Karnataka - Belgaum

New book on Kumar Gandharva released

Staff Correspondent

BELGAUM: A book on the life of late Kumar Gandharva titled "Gandharva" authored by Sirish Joshi of Belgaum was released here on Saturday.

Harmonium exponent R.K. Bijapure released the book, published by Lingayat Adhayan Samsthe, Gadag. Writers, poets, musicians and those interested in literary pursuits were present. Siddaram Swamji of Nagnoor Mutt presided over the function.

Introducing the book to the readers, critic Shyamsundar Bidarkundi observed that his two "prejudices" or "apprehensions" about Hindustani music and musicians were redressed after reading "Gandharva".

With reference to the contents in the book, he said Kumar Gandharva was not only musical genius but a good human being too.

Secondly, the life and contribution of the late vocalist was evident in the fact that Kumar Gandharva took singing to new heights and unravelled several hidden aspects. His urge to look deeper into the idioms and phrases of music gave birth to new ragas.

One of the most important aspects of Kumar Gandharva (a title given to him by a Hirebagewadi Veerashaiva Mutt when he was 16) was that he did not limit himself to the boundaries of gharana singing and evolved his own style, he said.

Tontadarya Swamji of Gadag urged universities offering courses in music in the State to include the book in the curriculum as the book gave a better insight into the life of the legendary musician who was born in Sulebhavi village of Belgaum district.

Critic Siddaling Pattanshetty and B.S. Turumuri were felicitated.

Mr. Joshi, who is an employee in the Irrigation Department, has six books, including a drama, to his credit.