Shobha Gurtu stands as an eminent figure in Indian classical music, known for her distinctive voice and her exceptional ability to blend the classical rigor of khayal with the emotive and nuanced delivery of the light classical genre of thumri, dadra, and other semi-classical forms. With her soulful renditions and a deep understanding of the intricacies of Indian ragas, she carved out a niche for herself among the greats of Indian music.

Born in Belgaum in 1925 as Bhanumati Shirodkar, she was given the name 'Shobha' upon her marriage to Vishwanath Gurtu. Gurtu hailed from a musically affluent family; her mother, Menaka, was a well-known singer, ensuring that music was a constant in Shobha's upbringing. With a career that spanned several decades, Gurtu captivated audiences and critics alike with her heartfelt performances, thus earning her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan. Though she passed away in 2004, her legacy endures through her recordings, such as "Indian Classical Vocals - Bhakti Bhajan Special," "The Golden Raaga Collection," and her contributions to advancing the reach and appreciation of Indian classical music. Her recent releases, many of which are collections and live concert recordings, continue to celebrate her enduring impact on the Indian music landscape.

Genres

Hindustani Classical

Hindustani Vocal

Indian Classical

Latest Release

Duṭi hr̥daẏa

Shobha Gurtu

Single - Released May 3, 2024