Eminent exponent of the Gwalior gharana of Hindustani classical music, Pandit Narayanrao Bodas, passed away here Monday morning after a brief illness. He was 84.
Born in Karachi into a musical aristocracy steeped in the traditions of Indian classical music, Pandit Narayanrao started learning music from his father and guru, Pandit Laxmanrao Bodas and, later, Prahladpant Ganu. Like his father, and his uncle Pandit Shankarrao Bodas, both of whom were disciples of the legendary Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, Pandit Narayanrao was deeply influenced by the musical vision of Pandit Paluskar.
Yet, despite his dedication to conserving the heritage of classical vocal music, Pandit Narayanrao devoted a considerable amount of his career to Marathi natya sangeet (enactment of musicals on stage).
Though he acted in some films and worked in the television medium, Pandit Narayanrao remained devoted to the uncompromising art of Hindustani classical music — and promoting it in its purest form.
Pandit Narayanrao is survived by his family, including his son, Pandit Kedar Bodas, himself a luminary of the Gwalior gharana.
