Prabha Atre performing at ‘Dhawani – Mallikarjuna Mansur Music Festival’ in Bengaluru in 2012.
| Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar
Even at the age of 91, Prabha Atre remained totally connected with her music, and was keen to share it. Even during the lockdown, every Sunday, she released a composition from her private collection on social media. In an earlier interview she had shared, “I have only one regret that I did not record myself more often when I was younger.” Indeed, her first LP recorded in the 1960s, featuring raag Maru Bihag and Kalavati, continue to inspire singers.
Prabha Atre lived an extraordinary life. She was taught by two of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan’s (founder of the Kirana gharana) children – Suresh Babu Mane and Hirabai Barodekar. Thus, she represented the original stream of Kirana gharana gayaki that was different from the styles popularised by other greats of the gharana such as Bhimsen Joshi and Gangubai Hangal.
Prabha Atre performing at an event…