If each year is a beat, today the second cycle of the twelve beat Ekthal is completed, after the demise of the Maharaj of Thaal- Pandit Samta Prasad (Gudai Maharaj). Of course, his life was not different from his own words: "The whole life of a tabla artiste is dedicated to finding a special beat with the tali and the khali. They reside in his heart, because his soul rests and throbs with the thaala of measured matras".
He is a musician who had dominance over both the baayan and tabla. He was an illustrious soloist and accompanist. In Pandit Kishan Maharaj's ( tabla exponent ) opinion, "Tabla in Gudai ji's hands seemed like a fish trapped in an eagle's claws". He had such an astonishing control over the instrument. It is said that in those days, the organizers felt like- without Gudai Maharaj the concerts were incomplete and they will first attest to the date of Gudai Maharaj before they finalize the main artist ! He was awarded the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1979 and the PathmaBhooshan, the third highest civilian honor given by Govt. of India in 1991.
Written by
Nambiar Sooryavamsha Kshathriya
He is a musician who had dominance over both the baayan and tabla. He was an illustrious soloist and accompanist. In Pandit Kishan Maharaj's ( tabla exponent ) opinion, "Tabla in Gudai ji's hands seemed like a fish trapped in an eagle's claws". He had such an astonishing control over the instrument. It is said that in those days, the organizers felt like- without Gudai Maharaj the concerts were incomplete and they will first attest to the date of Gudai Maharaj before they finalize the main artist ! He was awarded the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1979 and the PathmaBhooshan, the third highest civilian honor given by Govt. of India in 1991.
Pandit Samta Prasad and Ustad Amjad Alikhan
Not too many artists had the blessing of leaving this material world after a concert on the same day like Gudai Maharaj. 1994, May 31st was such a day. From the ultimate Tali to the richness of Khali !
Pranaams to the Legend.
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Nice to see such Legends are remembered
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