Madhura Pandit Jasraj, wife of late classical singer Pt Jasraj and daughter of filmmaker V Shantaram, passed away early Wednesday morning from an age-related illness.
Madhura, like her father, was a writer-producer who directed her first Marathi film 'Aai Tujha Aashirwad' in 2010 and set the Limca Book of Records record for the oldest debutant director in a feature film.
She was married to one of the famous classical singers of India, the late Pandit Jasraj, who died at the age of 90 due to cardiac arrest at his home in New Jersey. To honour the eternal memory of her father, Madhura wrote a biography of her father, V Shantaram.
Additionally, being a prolific writer, director, producer, and choreographer, Madhura honoured her husband with the 2009 documentary "Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj."
A Glimpse on the Life of Pandit Jasraj
Pandit Jasraj was born on January 28, 1930, to Pandit Motiram, a classical singer, and Krishna Bai in Pili Mandori, Haryana. Jasraj, the youngest of three sons in a family of classical singers, lost his father, Motiram, in 1934. He was raised by his elder brother, Pandit Maniram, who played a crucial role in his early musical education.
Musical Career
Jasraj's career spanned over 75 years, during which he became a prominent figure in Indian classical music, particularly known for his association with the Mewati gharana. He began his formal training at the age of 14 and made his debut performance as a vocalist at the court of King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah of Nepal in 1952. His innovative approach included the development of the "Jasrangi Jugalbandi," a unique duet format that combined different ragas sung simultaneously by male and female vocalists.
Teaching and Influence
Throughout his life, Pandit Jasraj was dedicated to teaching music, influencing countless students in India and abroad, including in Canada and the United States. His contributions to music education helped preserve and propagate the traditions of Hindustani classical music.
Awards and Recognition
Jasraj received numerous accolades for his contributions to music, including the Padma Shri (1975), Padma Bhushan (1990), and Padma Vibhushan (2000). He was also honoured with several prestigious awards from various cultural institutions for his lifelong dedication to the art of music.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1962, he married Madhura Shantaram, daughter of filmmaker V. Shantaram. They had two children: a son, Shaarang Dev Pandit, and a daughter, Durga Jasraj. Pandit Jasraj passed away on August 17, 2020, in New Jersey due to cardiac arrest. His death marked a significant loss for the Indian classical music community, but his legacy continues through his recordings and the many musicians he mentored.
Madhura Pandit Jasraj's Notable Contributions to Indian Cinema
Madhura Pandit Jasraj made significant contributions to Indian cinema as a filmmaker, writer, and producer. Notably, she directed the documentary Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj and the Marathi feature Aai Tujha Aashirwad, becoming the oldest debutant director at age 73. She also authored biographies, including one on her father, V. Shantaram, highlighting her family's artistic legacy.
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