I have been listening to Girija Deviji from a very young age. I distinctly recall her performance at the recent Vishnu Digambar Festival. What caught everybody by surprise was that she started her recital by a khayal rendition. Known for thumri, tappa, kajri and dadra, she sang a khayal in raga Megh. So mellifluous was her singing that I can still recall it and its sounds distinctly reaching my ears. It is amazing to note that not many people in the music fraternity and among the audience were aware of her ability to sing khayal with equal felicity.
No doubt she was famous for rendering thumris, tappas and kajris because that is what she sang extensively to the delight of the audience. Such was her forte in these genres and styles that she is virtually incomparable. After legendary singers like Shobha Gurtu and Siddheshwari Devi, Girija Devi popularised these styles.
Her voice was rich and harmonic. The quality of richness could be qualified as ‘swayambhu swara’. It was created on its own accord and that is why it was unique, engaging and enchanting; continuing to echo in one’s ears long after the recital was over. Its resonance and harmonies were excellent. Her sound was distinct with excellent timbre. I think it will be remembered for a long time to come because of its sweet nasal tone, which is hard to come by. Suiting so well to her style made her the queen of thumris.
DELINEATING HER STYLE Pandit Madhup Mudgal
I marvel at her ability to sing almost flawlessly till the age of 88. Not many artists of today can do that. I can immediately think of Pandit Jasraj who like her has been singing for decades. The reason for this ability is the hours of practice done when one is young and learning. This riyaz is so vital to mould and make the voice sweet and give it stamina. That is not all, her techniques, like that of great masters, was also admirable. Hearing her carefully, you can decipher there is no strain or pressure. It has a natural flow. All this may seem easy for audience but believe me it takes tapasya to achieve that.
I believe Girija Devi was a great teacher and an institution in herself who trained several artists. We must be grateful that she has passed on her acumen, experience and knowledge to many who will continue and take forward her legacy.
I have met her in person a few times. One such occasion was when she was at the Siri Fort and I had gone there for some work. Her personality was pleasing and as a human being she came across as one without any frills and pretensions. May her soul rest in peace.
( As told to S. Ravi )
A complete optimist
Dr. Sunanda Sharma, senior student and vocalist
I met Girija Devi at the Harivallabh Sangeet Samaroh in 1990. I was asked to play the tanpura for her. She met me and asked me if I could sing. When I said that I had sung Ahir Bhairav that morning, she asked me to sing that. After that she offered to take me under her mentorship. That was a dream come true. My father too readily agreed despite the fact that he did not know her personally. That because her aura reflected complete honesty.
I learnt from 1991-2000, staying at her house in Banaras and Kolkata. She was very disciplined and made us do riyaz from 4 a.m. onwards. Not only that she taught me how to cook, dress and to maintain the house. She instilled in me all things BanarasVery strict yet doting teacher, she made us eat rasgullas after scolding.
Sunanda Sharma
My first solo performance under her tutelage happened at the Tansen Sangeet Sammelan, where she was to receive the Tansen Samman. An artist could not make it and she suggested that I be given a chance. I was amazed and a little nervous. “Hum kehe rahe hai,” she said. That confidence gave me courage and it still does.
Besides being a committed teacher and artist, her greatest quality was her honesty of purpose. She was a complete optimist and never felt beaten under any circumstances. The fact that she continued to perform even at this age is proof of her hardwork, riyaaz and passion for music.
‘No nakhras’
Shobha Deepak Singh, Director, Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra
I have known Girijaji for almost 55 years. I distinctively recollect her singing at my wedding along with Siddheshwari Devi. Since she knew me so well, she would always lovingly call me ‘Shobha Rani’. She was to be awarded the Sumitra Charat Ram Award in November 2017. She had agreed to come to receive the award and also perform. It is so sad that it will now have to be awarded posthumously.
Shobha Deepak Singh
A wonderful person and a great artiste, she had no nakhras whatsoever like other top performers. She would not make an issue of the duration of concert. While performing, whenever listeners would request for more songs she would readily oblige. Being completely devoted and passionate about singing, for her it was her puja. Moreover, she would always explain what she was singing, the meaning before the performance thereby educating and engaging the audience.
